Maharashtra govt proposes draft to regularise hawkers in city

Maharashtra government has prepared a draft proposal for the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation) Policy that will provide for dedicated spaces for legalised hawkers.

According to the government’s 12 page draft proposal, the main intention of the policy is to provide proper space and protection to hawkers in municipal areas. Within Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) limits, there are nearly five lakh hawkers.

“We have asked the respective corporation to conduct a survey. Besides, every five years, such survey will be carried out to understand problems of the hawkers. Once the list of vendors is ready, it will be published inviting suggestions and objections. We will issue licenses and identity cards to authorised and registered vendors to conduct business in a certain area. We want to protect the street vendors who are part of the city,” states the draft proposal. A copy of the draft proposal is with DNA.

“The street vendors license will be issued to those who do not have alternate livelihood. The license can not be sold nor given to anyone on rent. It can only be transferred to the legal heir. The licensed vendor will not be allowed to construct a temporary shed as well. Even the given space cannot be expanded,” reads the draft.