Beggars are often seen sitting under blankets with heads bowed as people pass them by in C

Beggars are often seen sitting under blankets with heads bowed as people pass them by in Cambridge’s market center. Some ask passers-by for change and some just sit and wait to be given money. A few use aggressive behaviour to earn money.

To solve the problem of aggressive begging, an “alternative giving ” plan has been suggested. Ten blue money boxes will be placed in busy places such as the market and the railway station. It aims to encourage people not to give money directly to beggars but instead to give generously to local homeless causes.

Supporters of this plan think it will be an effective way to solve the beggars’ alcohol and drug problems. But the police oppose the plan arguing that beggars who do not receive cash may turn to criminality to feed their addictions. The homeless charity “Crisis” said the success of any plan will depend on its style. They think that imaginative and positive plans can help create local understanding and sympathy instead of hardness. Most of the beggars dislike the plan because they think they will not get enough money from the boxes for their showers, food and clothes.

Begging is a big social problem both in developing and developed countries. Governments must play a big role in solving this problem. Training beggars to work and helping them to find appropriate jobs is one option. This is especially true for developing countries where many low-skill jobs exist.

The general community should also be educated to see beggars not as dirty and dangerous, but as people who need understanding and help.

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