I have observed that begging is on the wane in Mumbai. This does not imply that beggars have disappeared. They are very much there, but their numbers are not increasing. That's significant. In fact, there is an imperceptible decline in their numbers. In the coming months, this decrease will become very visible, unless severe drought forces desperate rural folks to migrate to Mumbai to beg. I believe that work-when-you-want, quick-delivery jobs and other gig jobs are responsible for this change. Jobless youths will no longer be forced to resort to begging to make ends meet. Not only begging, but even mugging and other antisocial activities will see a decline. These gig jobs can fetch anything from Rs 15,000 to Rs 45,000 per month — enough to keep the wolf from the door.
ROBERT CASTELINO, Calangute
