Opposition Leader D V Sadananda Gowda on Wednesday urged the government to amend the Karnataka Prohibition of Beggary Act, 1975.
Participating in a debate on a calling attention motion served by BJP member Tara Anuradha in the Council, he said the age limit fixed for booking cases against both men and women engaged in beggary should be reduced.
He said the Act had been envisaged to take action against any woman over 18 years and men above 16 years for resorting to begging.
“The law is silent on those who are indulging in the practice below 16 years of age,” he said. Former minister Motamma said vested interests are behind the deployment of children in beggary. Congress member Dayanand Reddy said the problem has compounded with transgenders begging in the city.