Despite Anti-Begging Law, India’s Begging Industry Worth ₹1.5 Lakh Crore; Mumbai’s Richest Beggar Amasses ₹7.5 Crore

In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where chaos is the city’s rhythm, stands Bharat Jain—a man with an extraordinary story. Dubbed the world’s richest beggar, Jain has amassed a jaw-dropping net worth of Rs 7.5 crore, turning a profession often associated with struggle into one of surprising prosperity.

Operating near Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Azad Maidan, Jain earns Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 daily, which translates to a monthly income of Rs 60,000 to Rs 75,000. While most of us would prefer to retire early with that kind of income, Jain remains dedicated to his routine of 10 to 12 hours of work daily—though his “workplace” is the street.

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Jain wasn’t born with wealth. Growing up in a financially struggling family, he never received formal education and turned to begging as a means to survive. But over the past four decades, his dedication to his unconventional “job” has paid off—literally. Today, he owns two flats in Mumbai valued at Rs 1.4 crore, along with two shops in Thane that generate Rs 30,000 in monthly rental income.

Despite his financial success, Jain’s family doesn’t always approve of his choice to continue begging. However, he stands by his decision, saying, “I enjoy begging, and I don’t want to give it up.” Jain’s family, including his wife and two sons, also contribute to their income through a stationery shop and other ventures. His sons, educated in a prestigious convent school, now help manage the family business.

Jain’s lifestyle reflects both humility and generosity. He frequently visits temples and donates money, insisting he’s not driven by greed but rather by a deep connection to his way of life.

Interestingly, Jain is not the only beggar in India to accumulate wealth. Others, like Sambhaji Kale and Laxmi Das, have also turned the streets into surprisingly lucrative career paths. With an estimated Rs 1.5 lakh crore industry value, India’s begging ecosystem reveals an unexpected side of urban life.

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