Government will soon bring a bill that seeks decriminalisation of beggary and aims to offer a life of dignity by rehabilitating beggars and homeless people.<br/><br/>Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has drafted the Persons in Destitution (Protection, Care and Rehabilitation) Model Bill, 2016.<br/><br/>The Ministry today organised a pre-legislative consultation meeting in New Delhi with representatives from states to seek their opinion on it. <br/><br/>Chairing the meeting,Thawar Chand Gehlot said the Bill will provide protection, care, support, shelter, training and other services to all persons in destitution. <br/><br/>Expressing concern on the rise in number of destitutes, Mr Gehlot asked all concerned stakeholders to share their views and suggestions on this issue.<br/><br/>The Ministry has drafted a model legislation for the persons in destitution on the basis of recommendations that emerged from the National Consultation Meetings held with state representatives, experts in the field of beggary.,<br/><br/>An official release said, Beggary is criminalised under Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959 and Its aim is to eradicating beggary.As per Census 2011, population of Beggars and Vagrants is about 4.13 lakhs.