The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 was introduced to protect the rights of street vendors while ensuring the orderly regulation of street vending. Recently, the Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs highlighted concerns regarding the slow implementation of this legislation. Here’s an overview of its provisions, challenges, and possible solutions.
Key Features of the Street Vendors Act, 2014
Rights of Street Vendors
Street vendors are granted the right to engage in business activities under the terms outlined in their Certificate of Vending (CoV).
Duties of Street Vendors
Street vendors must:
- Clear their goods daily after the end of the time-sharing period.
- Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in vending zones and surrounding areas.
- Preserve civic amenities and public property.
- Pay maintenance charges for the facilities provided.
Town Vending Committees (TVCs)
Each local authority must establish TVCs to oversee vending zones. Key aspects include:
- Composition: At least 40% elected members must be street vendors, with one-third being women.
- Responsibilities: Identifying and allocating vending zones through regular surveys conducted every five years.
Ceiling on Vendors
The Act limits the number of street vendors to 2.5% of the population in a ward, zone, or city.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
State governments are required to set up Grievance Redressal Committees, chaired by retired judicial officers, to address vendor concerns impartially.
Seized Goods Release Period
- Perishable goods: Released the same day.
- Non-perishable goods: Released within two working days.
Challenges in Implementation
Lopsided Implementation
- Only 17 states have set up Grievance Redressal Committees, even a decade after the Act’s enactment.
- Many urban local bodies lack functioning TVCs or adequate representation.
Ceiling on Vendors
The 2.5% ceiling is inadequate for densely populated cities like Delhi and Mumbai, limiting the Act’s effectiveness.
Exclusion of Railway Premises
The Act excludes railway land and premises, which are prime vending locations, leaving vendors in these areas unregulated.
Lack of Uniformity
- Street vending is regulated under varying municipal laws across states, causing inconsistency in the Act’s application.
- For instance, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation required domicile certificates for CoV issuance until 2022, despite it not being a criterion under the Act.
Way Forward: Strategies for Effective Implementation
Revising the Vendor Ceiling
Increase the ceiling in alignment with the city’s population density and updated street vendor surveys.
Enhanced Representation in TVCs
Ensure that street vendors, especially women, are adequately represented in policymaking and TVC discussions.
Vending Zones near Railway Stations
Develop vending zones near railway premises to create more opportunities while ensuring uniform regulation.
Integration with Smart City Mission
Include street vendors in Smart City deliberations to ensure their needs are considered in urban development projects.
Model Vending Zones
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs can establish model vending zones as “Light House Projects” to serve as templates for states.
Welfare Initiatives for Street Vendors
Smartcards for Vendors
Introduce smartcards integrating Vendor ID Cards and Certificates of Vending, streamlining operations and record-keeping.
Sensitizing Officials
Train police and local officials about the Act to prevent excessive enforcement against vendors.
Street Vendor Charter
Publish a charter specifying timelines for issuing, renewing, or revoking CoVs and other activities, improving transparency.
Conclusion
The Street Vendors Act, 2014, holds immense potential to empower vendors and improve urban order. However, challenges like inadequate implementation, inconsistent policies, and the exclusion of key vending areas hinder its success. Addressing these issues through comprehensive strategies can ensure that street vendors receive the protection and opportunities they deserve, contributing to sustainable urban development.