Centre Says India Has Over 4 Lakh Beggars; Highest In West Bengal

Union Social Justice Minister Thawar Chand Gehlot has stated that India has over four lakh beggars according to the 2011 census. While Lakshadweep has only two beggars, West Bengal recorded highest number of beggars with 81,244. The next in the list were Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, the minister added that out of the total 4,13,670 beggars across the country, 2,21,673 are males and 1,91,997 are females.