Bhubanesswar: The state government has launched a scheme named "Sahaya" for rehabilitation of beggars and a sum of Rs 4.9 crore has been released for the purpose.

So far, as many as 6,482 beggars have been identified across the state for their rehabilitation and 2,367 of them have been assisted, said social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities minister Prafulla Samal.

However, the close scrutiny of the figures of identified beggars has raised eyebrows on the sincerity in identification process.

Of 6,482 beggars, only 120 have been identified in Puri district. "It is well known that Puri is a pilgrim centre. Hundreds of beggars can be spotted here in front of the Jagannath temple and other shrines. Besides, many are seen near the Puri beach as well. How come only 120 beggars have been found in the entire district?" asked social activist Alok Kar.

Moreover, not a single identified beggar has been assisted, according to the information provided by the social security and empowerment of persons with disabilities department to the Assembly.

On the other hand, highest number of beggars (1,060) have been identified in Cuttack district, followed by Balangir (708). Deogarh district has identified only 16 beggars, all of whom have been assisted.

Official sources said the district collectors had been sent necessary guidelines with the schemes under which the beggars are to be rehabilitated. They had been asked to submit utilisation certificates by the end of this fiscal.

A district official said the low identification figure was because of the fact that very few days were left for the utilisation of funds sanctioned and submission of the certificates.

There are also allegations that the state government has deliberately kept the figure low to save its image. "A state with a large number of beggars will never be treated with respect. Hence, it is a bid to suppress the truth," said a social activist.