Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)– The government has decided to appoint 10 non- governmental organizations (NGOs) to conduct a survey to find out the exact number of beggars for their rehabilitation, officials said on Thursday.
A 10-member core committee, which was formed under Beggar Rehabilitation Program of Social Welfare Ministry, is now working for selection of 10 NGOs with a target to complete the survey in the country’s 10 zones, they added.
Under the program, interest free and low interest loans would be provided to beggars, who are willing and able to run small businesses.
Besides, eight rehabilitation centers with dormitories would also be established for physically challenged and aged beggars while male and female beggars will be rehabilitated in separate centers, according to the officials.
Around 2,000 beggars would initially be rehabilitated on a pilot project and upon its successful completion steps would be taken to go for a large scale rehabilitation of beggars.
BBN/SI/AD-23Dec10-8:40 pm (BST)
