New Amendments in Anti-bagger law make begging a non-bailable offense in Punjab
LAHORE, Aug 27: The Punjab Cabinet has approved significant amendments to the Punjab Vagrancy Ordinance 1958, classifying begging as a non-bailable offense and intensifying penalties for those involved in organized begging.
Under the new regulations, mafia chiefs who solicit begging from a single individual face up to 3 years in prison and fines ranging from Rs 100,000 to Rs 300,000. Failure to pay the fine results in an additional 6 months in jail. Those who solicit from multiple individuals will face 3 to 5 years imprisonment and fines between Rs 300,000 and Rs 500,000, or both.
The amendments impose harsher penalties for those who exploit children for begging, with prison terms of 5 to 7 years and fines between Rs 500,000 and Rs 700,000. Non-payment of fines results in an additional year in prison. Offenders who forcibly maim individuals for begging face 7 to 10 years in prison and fines from Rs 1 million to Rs 2 million, with a further 2 years added for failure to pay.
Repeat offenders will face double the original penalties. The Punjab Interior Department spokesperson stated that these stringent measures are essential to curb the professional begging network and deter the begging mafia.
The new laws represent a significant crackdown on those exploiting vulnerable individuals, aiming to dismantle organized begging operations in the province.
