With the holy month of Ramadhan approaching, the prevalence of begging is expected to increase across Kashmir Valley, particularly in shrines, markets and other public spaces. Residents have expressed concerns over the growing number of beggars, including children, non-locals and organised groups, who flood the streets seeking charity.
While some are genuinely in need, others have reportedly turned begging into a professional and organised trade.
A recent study conducted by Rutba Gulzar, a student of Economics at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), highlights the organised nature of begging in Kashmir.
According to the research study, begging in Kashmir, which was traditionally a means of survival, has evolved into a profitable business controlled by organised cartels. The study also reveals that the influx of non-local beggars has altered the landscape, often pushing local beggars into obscurity.
A senior official from the Labour Department speaking to the news agency said there is no official data on the number of beggars in the region. “Begging is not a registered activity, and beggars are not required to enroll anywhere,” the official said.
He said non-locals entering Kashmir, including those turning to begging, are not documented. “Unlike labourers hired by contractors, beggars—whether local or non-local—remain undocumented,” he added.
Many residents have urged authorities to take action, particularly in hotspot areas like shrines, where beggars tend to congregate in large numbers.
Fazil, a resident of Srinagar, said the same faces appear every year: “Many of them come to Kashmir only during Ramadhan because people are more generous during this time,” he said.
Suhaib, another local, said, “Every year, as Ramadhan nears, the number of beggars on the streets increases. Many are outsiders who come here just for charity.” He urged authorities to address the issue before it turns into a larger racket.
The study also highlights that some beggars have been in the trade for over two decades, with many migrating to Kashmir during peak tourist seasons to capitalise on the influx of visitors.
Researchers say that begging is no longer just a social issue but has transformed into a full-fledged industry with public health and economic implications—(KNO)
