Hindu Editorial Analysis : 3-May-2024

The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act recently marked its tenth anniversary. Implemented on May 1, 2014, this law represents a significant achievement in protecting the rights and livelihoods of street vendors across India. This essay will explore the Act’s purpose, its features, the need for such a law, and the challenges it faces.

About the Act

The Act was introduced to provide legal recognition and protection to street vendors. Here are its main objectives:

  • Protection and Regulation: The Act aims to protect street vendors and regulate their activities in urban areas.
  • Roles and Responsibilities: It clearly defines the roles of street vendors and various levels of government.
  • Vending Zones: It ensures that all existing vendors are accommodated in designated vending zones.
  • Participatory Governance: Town Vending Committees (TVCs) must include street vendor representatives, ensuring their voices are heard.

Features of the Act

The Act has several important features:

  • Inclusivity: TVCs must have at least 40% street vendor representation, with 33% reserved for women.
  • Grievance Redressal: A Grievance Redressal Committee is established to address complaints, ensuring a fair process.
  • Urban Role Recognition: The Act acknowledges the valuable contributions of vendors to city life and local economies.

Need for the Law

Street vendors play crucial roles in urban areas:

  • Economic Contribution: They constitute about 2.5% of a city’s population and provide essential services like food and goods at affordable prices.
  • Cultural Significance: Street food is an integral part of Indian culture, with iconic items like Mumbai’s vada pav and Chennai’s dosai.
  • Livelihood Opportunities: For many migrants and the urban poor, street vending offers a stable source of income.

Broad Challenges

Despite its positive intentions, the Act faces several challenges:

  1. Administrative Issues:
    • Increased harassment and evictions of vendors.
    • Outdated bureaucratic views treating vendors as illegal entities.
  2. Lack of Awareness:
    • Insufficient understanding of the Act among authorities and the public.
    • Limited influence of street vendor representatives in TVCs.
  3. Governance Weaknesses:
    • The Act doesn’t integrate well with existing urban governance frameworks.
    • Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) often lack the capacity and powers to enforce the Act.
  4. Societal Perception:
    • The notion of a “world-class city” often excludes vendors, viewing them as obstacles rather than contributors.

New Challenges

The landscape for street vendors is evolving, and they now face new challenges, including:

  • Climate Change: Extreme weather can impact their livelihoods.
  • Competition: E-commerce and other modern retail options are increasing competition.
  • Reduced Incomes: Economic fluctuations can threaten their earnings.

Why In News

The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act has now completed ten years since its implementation, marking a decade of efforts aimed at safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of street vendors across India. This milestone reflects both the progress made in recognizing their contributions and the ongoing challenges that remain in ensuring their rights are fully upheld.

MCQs about Celebrating a Decade of the Street Vendors Act

  1. What year did the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act come into effect?
    A. 2010
    B. 2012
    C. 2014
    D. 2016
    Correct Answer: C. 2014
    Explanation: The Act came into effect on May 1, 2014, marking a significant milestone for street vendors in India.
  2. What is a primary objective of the Street Vendors Act?
    A. To eliminate street vendors from urban areas
    B. To regulate and protect the livelihoods of street vendors
    C. To increase taxes on street vending
    D. To promote e-commerce over street vending
    Correct Answer: B. To regulate and protect the livelihoods of street vendors
    Explanation: The Act aims to protect and regulate street vending in cities, ensuring that vendors can maintain their livelihoods.
  3. What percentage of Town Vending Committee (TVC) members must be representatives of street vendors according to the Act?
    A. 20%
    B. 33%
    C. 40%
    D. 50%
    Correct Answer: C. 40%
    Explanation: The Act mandates that at least 40% of TVC members must be representatives of street vendors, with a sub-representation of 33% reserved for women street vendors.
  4. Which of the following is a challenge faced by the implementation of the Street Vendors Act?
    A. Increased support from urban authorities
    B. Improved awareness among the public about street vendors
    C. Harassment and evictions of street vendors
    D. Greater integration with e-commerce platforms
    Correct Answer: C. Harassment and evictions of street vendors
    Explanation: Despite the Act’s protective measures, there has been an increase in harassment and evictions, reflecting a disconnect between the law and its enforcement.

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