Begging inside train coaches to be banned from Dec.1

Begging inside train compartments and railway station premises will be prohibited with effect from December 1, Railways General Manager Dilantha Fernando said yesterday.

He told Daily Mirror that although this ban had been there for a long time, it was not effectively implemented.

“We have been receiving constant complaints from commuters that beggars have become a nuisance to them and they find it extremely inconvenient to travel leisurely,” Mr Fernando said.

He said the fault was not only on the beggars but on the commuters as well. “Beggars tend to enter train coaches because of some commuters, who have made it a habit to give money to beggars,” he said.

“If those commuters stop giving money to beggars, this situation might change,” he added.

Commenting on the ban on begging at station premises, Mr. Fernando said some stations had received permits which allow for begging, but that it also should be restricted and discouraged.

“Those beggars who start begging after December 1 will be severely dealt with and taken before courts,” he said.

However, Mr Fernando said the fine for such beggars was Rs.1,000, which should be amended.

“We will inform the necessary authorities to take relevant steps to increase the amount of the fine,” he added. (Sheain Fernandopulle)