Rise in cross-border begging in Dhangadhi raises concerns

Dhangadhi: The number of beggars arriving from India has increased in Dhangadhi, the temporary capital of Sudurpaschim Province.

Beggars from various parts of India, including children, have been approaching locals, traders, and passersby for alms. They have been staying along the roadside connecting Dhangadhigaun and Bhuinaghat within Dhangadhi Sub-metropolitan City and are active in different settlements and market areas. Around 20 to 25 families are reportedly involved.

According to the beggars, they belong to the Chamar community and have come from Bahraich district. Men are seen begging in the guise of yogis, wearing yellow clothes and sandalwood tika. Locals have complained that they disturb the community by consuming meat and alcohol and creating noise in the evenings. Women and children, meanwhile, visit villages and urban markets to seek alms.

They claim that an individual can earn between Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 per day through begging. Sudesh Bangaliya stated that he works as a beggar in Nepal from Chaitra to Jestha, traveling through Dhangadhi, Mahendranagar, Surkhet, and Dang.

Despite India having a stronger economy, Nepal is preferred by those seeking alms due to the prevalence of paper currency. According to them, in India they are often given one-rupee coins, while in Nepal they typically receive at least a five-rupee note. Kalicharan Bangaliya said that this difference has made Nepal a more viable place to earn a livelihood through begging.

Taking advantage of the open border, some individuals have attempted to obtain Nepali citizenship. Sudesh Bangaliya said he tried to acquire citizenship while living in Rajpur, Dhangadhi, but was unsuccessful due to strict legal provisions. He also claimed that 400 to 500 Bengali families in Khajura, Banke, have received citizenship.

Sudesh added that his ancestors had also come to Nepal for the same purpose. Shivraj Joshi, Information Officer at the District Administration Office, Kailali, said it is difficult to distinguish between Indian visitors and those entering for begging at the border. He stated that no one declares their intent to beg upon entry.

Joshi noted that attempts by such individuals to obtain citizenship are a serious issue and confirmed that the Kailali District Administration has not granted citizenship in such cases.