THE number of street beggars in Hyderabad is almost 15,000. Most of them are professional. They leave their huts early in the morning and return by dusk. Each beggar earns Rs60 to Rs140 a day. Some of them do part-time begging after they have done their regular work.

There are some beggars who disguise themselves as blind or handicapped just to draw people's sympathies. Most often women beggars carry small babies with them to draw people's attention.

Apart from professional beggars, unemployment and dearness have driven many to seek refuge in beggary. The district government should do something to control the situation. One way to contain beggary, though partially, is to create some sort of job opportunities for these people.

IMRAN IQBAL RAJPUT

Hyderabad