Mizoram Prohibition of Beggary Bill, 2025

● On 27 August, 2025, the Mizoram Assembly passed the Mizoram Prohibition of Beggary Bill, 2025, aiming not only to ban begging in the state but also to rehabilitate beggars by providing sustainable livelihood options.

● With the passing of this Bill, Mizoram has become the first Indian state to pass a law criminalizing begging. Under this legal framework individuals found begging may face fine, mandatory rehabilitation and in repeat cases legal penalties.

● The Social Welfare Minister of Mizoram highlighted concerns about a possible rise in beggary especially with the inauguration of new railway line at Sairang-Sihhmui, which may lead to an influx from outside.

● The Bill provides for the creation of a state level relief board and receiving centres to house beggars temporarily before sending them back to their native places within 24 hours.

● A recent survey by the Social Welfare Department of Mizoram identified more than 30 beggars in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram.

● The opposition argued that the Bill could harm Mizoram’s image and suggested community based solutions. Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma clarified that the primary objective of the Bill is to help and rehabilitate beggars with the support of the government, NGOs and churches.