Daily Current Affairs : 2-May-2024
Street vendors are individuals who sell goods or services in public spaces such as streets, sidewalks, and markets. They operate small businesses offering a variety of products, ranging from food and beverages to clothing and household goods. In India, approximately 50 lakh (five million) street vendors have been identified, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest number at over 8 lakh, followed by Madhya Pradesh with over 7 lakh.
The Role and Significance of Street Vendors
Street vendors play a crucial role in urban India, constituting an average of 2.5% of a city’s population. Their importance goes beyond just selling products. Vendors provide essential services, such as fresh produce, affordable food, and inexpensive goods. They are also an integral part of India’s cultural fabric, contributing iconic dishes like Mumbai’s vada pav and Chennai’s dosai.
Constitutional Provisions for Street Vendors
The Indian Constitution guarantees several rights that are relevant to street vendors:
- Right to Trade (Article 19[1][g]): Citizens have the right to practice any profession or carry on any business.
- Equality Before the Law (Article 14): Ensures that all individuals are treated equally by the state.
- Social Justice: The Preamble calls for a social order that promotes justice.
- Directive Principles: Various articles (Article 38, 39[a], 41) emphasize the need for policies that support the livelihood and welfare of citizens.
The Street Vendors Act, 2014: An Overview
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 was enacted to address the challenges faced by street vendors. It aims to regulate street vending, safeguard vendors’ livelihoods, and integrate them into urban planning processes.
Objectives of the Street Vendors Act, 2014
- Regulation of Vending: The Act designates vending zones and establishes Town Vending Committees (TVCs) for better management and grievance redressal.
- Protection of Livelihoods: The Act provides legal recognition to street vending, preventing arbitrary evictions and harassment.
- Inclusive Urban Development: The Act ensures that vendors are included in urban planning and decision-making processes.
- Social Security: It provides access to welfare schemes, social protection, and safeguards vendors from exploitation.
Evaluation of the Act’s Impact
The Street Vendors Act has had both positive and mixed outcomes:
- Positive Impact on Regulation: The Act has helped organize street vending by creating designated zones and involving vendors in decision-making. For example, in Pune, TVCs have led to better management of street vending activities.
- Livelihood Protection: In cities like Ahmedabad, the Act has prevented arbitrary evictions, thereby protecting vendors’ livelihoods.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its positive intentions, the Act has faced several challenges:
- Administrative Issues: There is a lack of awareness about the Act among both vendors and local authorities. Bureaucratic delays in issuing vending certificates are common.
- Governance Challenges: Weak urban governance mechanisms and the lack of integration with the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act hinder the effective implementation of the Act.
- Societal Perceptions: Street vendors are often seen as obstacles to urban development. City planners tend to prioritize “world-class cities” over inclusive growth, leaving street vendors marginalized.
Way Forward: What Needs to Change?
To ensure the success of the Act, several steps need to be taken:
- Timely Implementation: Authorities must ensure that street vendors are properly identified and provided with vending certificates and benefits, including maternity allowances and education support.
- Prevention of Harassment: Local governments should prevent the harassment and eviction of vendors, thereby safeguarding their right to livelihood.
- Capacity Building: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) need to strengthen their capacity to manage street vending and include it in city planning.
- Address Emerging Challenges: Consider the impacts of climate change, the growing number of vendors, and the competition from e-commerce platforms that may affect vendors’ incomes.
Other Initiatives for Street Vendors
In addition to the Street Vendors Act, several initiatives aim to support street vendors:
- SVANidhi Scheme: This scheme was launched to assist over 50 lakh street vendors by offering cash-back incentives for digital transactions, promoting financial inclusion.
- National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI): NASVI is an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of street vendors and working toward systemic change in the sector.
Important Points:
Street Vendors in India:
- Street vendors are small business owners selling goods and services in public spaces like streets and markets.
- Around 50 lakh street vendors exist in India, with Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh having the highest numbers.
Importance of Street Vendors:
- Street vendors contribute 2.5% to a city’s population and provide essential goods and services like affordable food and fresh produce.
- They are a key part of India’s cultural fabric, with vendors offering iconic street foods such as vada pav and dosai.
Constitutional Provisions:
- Right to Trade (Article 19[1][g]): Grants citizens the right to engage in any profession or business.
- Equality Before the Law (Article 14): Ensures equal treatment under the law.
- Directive Principles: Promote policies that support the welfare and livelihood of citizens.
Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014:
- The Act was introduced to regulate street vending and protect the livelihoods of street vendors.
- Aims to integrate street vendors into urban planning and decision-making processes.
Objectives of the Act:
- Regulation of Vending: Establishment of vending zones and Town Vending Committees (TVCs).
- Protection of Livelihoods: Legal recognition for street vending, preventing evictions and harassment.
- Inclusive Urban Development: Ensures vendors are included in city planning.
- Social Security: Provides access to welfare schemes and safeguards against exploitation.
Impact of the Act:
- Positive Impact: Improved regulation through designated vending zones and vendor participation in decision-making (e.g., Pune).
- Livelihood Protection: Prevented arbitrary evictions in cities like Ahmedabad.
Challenges in Implementation:
- Administrative Issues: Delays in issuing vending certificates due to lack of awareness and bureaucratic hurdles.
- Governance Challenges: Weak urban governance and lack of integration with the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act.
- Societal Perceptions: Street vendors are often seen as obstacles to urban development.
Way Forward:
- Timely Implementation: Ensure proper identification, certification, and benefits for vendors.
- Prevention of Harassment: Safeguard vendors’ right to livelihood and prevent evictions.
- Capacity Building: Strengthen local bodies (ULBs) to manage street vending and integrate it into urban planning.
- Address Emerging Challenges: Tackle climate change, increasing vendor numbers, and competition from e-commerce.
Other Supporting Initiatives:
- SVANidhi Scheme: Provides financial support and cash-back incentives for digital transactions among street vendors.
- NASVI (National Association of Street Vendors of India): Advocates for the rights and systemic change for street vendors.
Why In News
The Street Vendors Act, implemented in 2014, was hailed as a progressive step towards protecting the rights and livelihoods of street vendors, but it continues to face significant challenges in its effective implementation. These challenges stem from administrative delays, lack of awareness, and resistance from local authorities, hindering its full potential to bring about positive change.
MCQs about Challenges and Progress of the Street Vendors Act, 2014 in India
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What is the primary objective of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014?
A. To regulate the prices of goods sold by street vendors
B. To provide financial loans to street vendors
C. To regulate street vending, protect vendors’ livelihoods, and integrate them into urban planning
D. To ban street vending in major cities
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Which of the following is a key constitutional provision that supports the rights of street vendors in India?
A. Article 19(1)(g) – Right to Trade
B. Article 40 – Right to Property
C. Article 21 – Right to Education
D. Article 14 – Right to Employment
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What is one of the challenges in implementing the Street Vendors Act, 2014?
A. Full integration of street vendors into urban planning
B. Administrative delays and lack of awareness about the Act
C. Immediate eviction of all street vendors
D. Formation of Town Vending Committees
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Which initiative complements the objectives of the Street Vendors Act, 2014 by offering financial support to vendors?
A. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
B. SVANidhi Scheme
C. Atal Pension Yojana
D. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
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