Street vendor empowerment: Key to India's growth

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Street vendors are an intrinsic part of the Indian cityscape. From steaming cups of chai to vibrant textiles, they offer a sensory experience unlike any other.
But beyond the cultural charm, street vendors play a vital role in the urban economy, providing affordable food, essential goods, and employment opportunities.
However, their lives are often riddled with challenges.

The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, was a landmark achievement.
It aimed to protect the livelihoods of street vendors and regulate their activities.

The Act established Town Vending Committees (TVCs) with vendor representation, designated vending zones, and a grievance redressal mechanism.

Despite the Act’s progressive measures, implementation remains a hurdle. Street vendors continue to face:
- Legal Limbo and Harassment: Uneven enforcement leaves many vendors without licenses, making them vulnerable to eviction and harassment by authorities or local strongmen.
- Precarious Livelihoods: Competition, fluctuating income, unrealistic license caps, and lack of basic amenities like sanitation create economic insecurity and health hazards.
- Navigating the Formal System: Complex licensing procedures, limited access to credit schemes like PM SVANidhi, and gender-based discrimination hinder formalization efforts.
- Impact of Covid-19: The pandemic severely impacted their income, pushing many vendors deeper into poverty.

The World Bank and UN-Habitat advocate for a shift in perspective – viewing street vendors not as a nuisance, but as a vital part of the urban economy. Here’s how we can move forward:
- Strengthening the Act: Supportive implementation with initial top-down guidance, followed by decentralized governance that adapts to local contexts, is crucial.
- Integration with Urban Planning: Policies and urban design guidelines must incorporate street vending. This requires empowering ULBs to include vendors and move towards inclusive TVC processes.
- Addressing New Challenges: Climate change, e-commerce competition, and vendor proliferation necessitate innovative solutions. Leveraging national missions like the National Urban Livelihood Mission can help adapt to these changes.

Several global initiatives showcase successful strategies:
- Formalization and Regulation: Cities like Hanoi and Ahmedabad have vendor registration systems that provide identity cards and training.
- Designated Vending Zones: Rio de Janeiro and Kigali have created zones for order and improved pedestrian flow. Indian cities can replicate this with vendor and resident association consultations.
- Infrastructure and Support: Lima offers training on waste management and micro-loans. Indian cities can collaborate with NGOs for similar programs.
- Vendor Associations: Associations in Kumasi, Ghana, empower vendors through dialogue with authorities and collective bargaining. India can encourage and integrate such associations.

Effective street vendor management requires a multi-stakeholder approach:
- Local Authorities: Their role includes issuing permits, creating designated zones, and providing infrastructure support.
- Street Vendors: Compliance with regulations, hygiene standards, and designated fees are crucial. Active participation in associations and dialogue with authorities is important.
- Resident Associations: Addressing concerns about congestion and waste management through open communication and co-creation of solutions with vendor associations can bridge the gap.

India’s street vendors are not just hawkers; they are the heart and soul of many bustling marketplaces.
By tailoring policies to each city’s unique character, ensuring vendor stability through skill development and microfinance programs, and fostering a collaborative approach, we can create a vibrant and inclusive urban future where street vendors thrive alongside residents and businesses.