STREET VENDORS ACT -
GOVERNANCE
News: Implementing the Street
Vendors Act
What's in the news?
●
It has been a decade since the enactment of the
Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act
on May 1, 2014.
Key takeaways:
●
It marks a significant milestone in the recognition
of the rights and contributions of street vendors across India.
Street Vendors Act,
2014:
Objective:
●
To regulate street vendors in public areas and protect their rights.
Key Provisions of the
Act:
1. Town Vending
Committee:
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Responsible for conducting surveys of all vendors, issuance of certificates of
vending, and designation of vending zones.
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Surveys to be conducted every 5 years.
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No eviction until certificates are issued.
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TVCs have 40% representation of street vendor
representatives and 33% of women street vendors.
2. Designated Vending
Zones:
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All street vendors to be accommodated in designated
vending zones.
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Allocation of space by drawing lots if necessary.
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Those unable to secure space in the same zone to be
accommodated in adjoining zones.
3. Certificate of
Vending:
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Granted to street vendors above 14 years of age.
●
Can be transferred
to family members in certain circumstances.
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Can be cancelled if conditions are breached.
4. No-Vending Zones:
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Prohibits vending activities in designated no-vending zones.
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Relocation provisions for affected vendors.
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Notice period of at least 30 days for relocation.
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Failure to vacate may result in penalties.
5. Dispute Resolution
Body:
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Consists of a Chairperson
(civil judge or judicial magistrate) and two other professionals.
6. Responsibility of
Local Authorities for Implementation:
●
Responsibility for creating schemes and
implementation delegated to local municipalities.
7. Role of Town Vending
Committee:
●
Each zone or ward of the local authority has a Town
Vending Committee.
8. Relocation and
Penalties:
●
Vendors failing to relocate from no-vending zones
after notice may face penalties, including fines.
9. Representation and
Legal Ambiguities:
● Criticisms include lack of adequate representation of street vendors in decision-making bodies and legal ambiguities.