Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) is not just the capital of federal Nepal but also a magnet that pulls people of all walks of life from all parts of the country. Most Nepalis want to set foot in Kathmandu for it possesses many allures of life. They think the capital city is full of opportunities that help them to eke out a living comfortably. It is not a flawed notion since Kathmandu has been a seat of power and administering the entire nation for centuries. It enjoys uneven political and economic clout. Its rich culture and friendly climate also attracts many Nepalis but the rulers of different hues lack far-sighted vision to develop Kathmandu as modern, cultured and humane city. Unplanned development and reckless construction drive has marred its natural and cultural beauty. Instead of becoming a model city, it exhibits scarcities of life, inviting many unwanted evils and pestering problems.

In the absence of distributive justice system, Kathmandu has also become a home to many poor people. Homeless beggars, urchins, neglected elders and physically challenged persons have found the crowded streets of Kathmandu as a viable venue for earning their livelihoods. These people living on the margins of the society have, however, formed an ugly scene for the city dwellers and commuters. The situation has really become nauseating for many of the tramps have made begging the means of earning while scores of them have been employed by the able-bodied persons to make easy bucks. A large number of them have their families but choose to come to streets with the begging bowl.

The hapless people need the life support and rehabilitation. Against this backdrop, KMC has launched a campaign to make Kathmandu free from beggars, street children and homeless people, according to a news report carried out by this daily. Under its bold humanitarian move, the KMC has rescued altogether 215 homeless people from the streets between December 15 to 18. The KMC, in coordination with Manav Sewa Ashram and Nepal Police, rounded up the homeless people from streets during the night and took them to the snug shelters where they receive warm clothes, food, medical services and other basic amenities. Of the total rescued people, only 15 persons were in actual need of shelter and guardianship. It is interesting to note that most of the daily-wage earners were found living in the streets as they begin their work from the early morning.

Authorities involved in this drive have shared that it has become tricky to remove professional beggars from the streets. Now it poses a challenge for the security personnel to take action against such beggars. Nonetheless, the country has already devised a law that bars begging and those who ask for money in the public places are subject to harsh punishment. It is indeed a commendable initiative that the KMC started providing shelter to the homeless people at a time when the freezing cold has gripped the country. The move reflects the spirit of welfare state as envisaged by the new constitution and embraced by the new government. After all, the state is the ultimate guardian and protector of the citizens who looks to it when they are in dire need of social and financial support for their survival in the society.