Bill for vendors’ protection passed three months back, UT still to act
Three months have passed since the Union ministry of urban development approved the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, but the administration is yet to act on it.
Three months have passed since the Union ministry of urban development approved the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, but the administration is yet to act on it. Almost 25,000 street vendors in the city were likely to benefit from this.
Though the municipal corporation, after formulating a scheme under the Act, had sent the proposal for further approval to the UT on November 26, it is still lying pending with the legal department.
Mayor Poonam Sharma said, “A town-vending committee that will frame a draft for vendors under the Act will be constituted soon. While taking up the issue with the UT, we will try to implement new policy in the next three months.”
She clarified that all officials concerned had been instructed not to bother vendors till the implementation of the Act.
The town vending committee will identify specific locations in the city markets - from where these vendors will operate - and issue them certificates.
Under the Act, a survey of all the existing street vendors should be conducted at least once in every five years. All those identified in it will get certificates, with preference to those from scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, other backward classes, women and differently-abled persons.
What the Act states
Who all are eligible?
Should have attained the age of 14 years
Should not be engaged in a regular public sector or private job
Should not be working at other vending site
Should not sell tobacco, cigarettes, cut fruit, meat and other prohibited items
Vending prohibited in areas
In proximity to hospitals, religious places, educational institutes and fire stations, cycle tracks, footpath, roundabout, in front of markets and roads separating sectors. Vending at other public places where it may cause traffic, cleanliness or health problems is also prohibited.
What will it cost?
The vending fee will range between Rs 500 and Rs 1,500 per month, depending upon the category and place of vending.