When the question of What should I do when approached by beggars? Arrives. There are two angles you can look at. The first is the pilgrims seeking alms, and the other are professional beggars.
In Tibetan culture, Religious beggars like people prostrating around the Barkhor street are accepted by society in Tibet. Donating money or food to pilgrims brings you great merit. Usually, people from far away distances travel to Lhasa on pilgrims by prostrating to Lhasa. While they arrive in Lhasa, they would finish all their materials and depend on begging for survival and funds for returning to their home.
But they are many child beggars. Please do not give them any dime. Our Government provides free and compulsory educations and annual rations for children attending school. Many do not see the prospect of education over the short time small income made by their children begging in the street. Giving money to these young beggars discourages their self-reliance.
So we would encourage you to give alms for those pilgrims, yet we strongly discourage you from giving money to beggars.
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