Beggars make Rs 300 a day

Bangalore's wayside alms seekers aren't as trade union-minded as their Kerala counterparts, who won't accept anything less than a rupee. And they're doing fine, thank you!

Boys give beggars more money when girls are around.

That's one of the many things MiD DAY discovered during a reality check in the wake of beggars in Kerala refusing to accept anything less than a rupee.

Bangalore beggars aren't as trade union-minded as their Kerala counterparts. They don't mind even a 50 paise coin, and are doing quite well, thank you.

Alms hotspots

The hotspots for beggars are M G Road, Brigade Road, Manipal Centre, Indiranagar, and Residency Road.

Maimed beggars get more alms. Akbar, a ten-year-old handicapped boy, said, "I earn Rs 300 to Rs 400 a day. I live at Tannery Road. My twin brother and I usually go to areas like St Mark's Road and Lavelle Road."

Ismail, a 50-year-old from Mumbai who migrated to Bangalore four months ago, said, "I have four kids and the eldest is studying in school. I earn at least Rs 300 a day." You can spot Ismail at Vellara Junction. Don't be surprised if he asks you to contribute for his daughter's wedding. He often does that.

Children at the Manipal Centre junction, who entertain you with their acrobatic skills, earn Rs 6 to Rs 10 at just one passing signal that is about Rs 10 in 140 seconds.

They are happy even if you give them chocolate instead of money.

Boyish charm

Iqbal, who begs in Jayanagar, said, "I earn at least Rs 400 a day."

He is just 13 and confesses that his boyish charm works. "I get disappointed when I am offered just a rupee," he said.

Iqbal manages to make people pay him at least Rs 10. College boys routinely hand him Rs 10 to Rs 20.

"I get more money from boys when they are with girls," he confessed.

Older women beggars we came across were caustic and low on patience. One thought I was no better than her when I gave her 50 paise. She cursed me under her breath and walked away.

Cig, not cash

You will see 'self-taught' smokers in front of cafes.

These boys stand and stare at the cafe. Try handing them a rupee, and chances are they'd rather have your cigarette.

Raju (14) is the leader of a gang of four.

"Yes, I smoke. I plead people to give me cigarettes. Uncles who come here give me cigarettes. My eight-year-old brother also troubles me for cigarettes. We also pick up stubs from the streets," he told MID DAY. These kids are smoking addicts, and refuse food.