Patna, Oct 11 (IANS) Beggars can be choosers. And those in Bihar are making sure they turn the familiar idiom on its head as they organise themselves into a union that lays out 'minimum alms' and even a weekly off just like other workers.
About 600 beggars of the interconnected districts of Begusarai, Samastipur and Khagaria districts have formed a union, probably the first of its kind in India, to protect their interests.

Like in any other union, this one too has formulated rules and guidelines for begging.

"The beggars union has fixed one day in each town and directed them not to accept less than Re.1," said Karim Ansari, a beggar in Begusarai.

Six towns have been chosen. So, union members descend on Begusarai on Sunday, Monday is spent in Samastipur, Tuesday in Dalsighsarai, Wednesday in Rosera, Friday in Bakhri-Shalona and Saturday in Khagaria.

Thursday is the off day, according to rules of the union, so members can rest after the efforts of the week.

"We take an off day every Thursday like officials do on Sunday to catch up on personal work," said a beggar.

The days of the week have been divided so traders and businessmen, the main almsgivers, are not disturbed every day.

"Members of the union don't beg any day. It was decided not to disturb traders and businessmen," said a beggar.

In case problems crop up, union leaders have cellphones for easy access.

"The beggars' union is very strong. It has cemented unity and made the members aware of their strength," said Prashant Singh, a social activist in Samastipur.

The union has done something else too - given them respect.

"Earlier, we were thrashed, humiliated and chased away. But people have begun to know and fear the union now," said Ramavtar, who begs for alms for a living.

Union members reportedly take home as much as Rs.150 to Rs.200 a day after they organised themselves.

It's a lesson to be learnt by workers in other sectors.