In a bid to restore their honour and stop their exploitation at the hands of criminal gangs, the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday decided to rehabilitate beggars by providing them jobs.

"No one will be allowed to earn his livelihood through begging. A list of beggars will be prepared for providing them alternative means of earning their living," State Chief Secretary Neera Yadav told reporters after a meeting of the state Cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

District magistrates will be asked to prepare lists of beggars in their areas.

While those beggars who could take up some other work will be provided with finance and other help, those with physical disabilities will be provided with 'necessary equipment and properly rehabilitated', Neera Yadav said.