An executive bill, seeking the prohibition of street begging, has scaled second reading in Katsina State House of Assembly.

The bill, which was presented to the assembly by the governor, Aminu Masari, scaled second reading during plenary on Monday.

The bill was first read before the assembly on June 30 by the majority leader, Abubakar Abukur.

Mr Abukur said that the bill sought to complement the ongoing efforts by the state government at repatriating Almajiris to their home states as well as sanitising the Tsangaya system of education.

According to the majority leader, the bill, if passed, will help in addressing the menace of street begging.

He explained that most of the children roaming the streets grow up to become threats to national security.

The lawmaker added that if the bill eventually becomes law, it would provide a four-year sentence for defaulters or an option of a N10,000 fine.

Mr Abukur said that anyone found guilty for the second time would be taken to his/her country, state or local government of origin.

The bill scaled second reading following series of deliberations by the lawmakers during the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tasi’u Maigari.

Mr Maigari said that members of the assembly would continue to deliberate on the bill due to its importance to the development of the state.

The bill was submitted to the Joint House Committee on Religious Affairs and Social Development with a six-week deadline to present its report.