The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, which came into effect in May 2014, marks a significant milestone in the legal recognition of street vendors' rights in India. However, a decade after its enactment, challenges in its implementation have come to the forefront.
Administrative Challenges:
Increase in Harassment and Evictions: Despite emphasis on protection, street vendors face heightened harassment and eviction, often due to outdated bureaucratic perceptions.
Lack of Awareness and Sensitisation: State authorities, the public, and vendors lack awareness about the Act's provisions, leading to implementation gaps.
Weak Representation in TVCs: Street vendor representatives in Town Vending Committees (TVCs) often lack influence, and the representation of women vendors remains tokenistic.
Governance Challenges:
Weak Urban Governance Mechanisms: The Act's integration with urban governance frameworks is lacking, and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) lack sufficient powers and capacities.
Neglect in Urban Development Schemes: Initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission prioritize infrastructure development over street vendor inclusion, undermining the Act's provisions.
Exclusionary Urban Development: Prevailing notions of 'world class cities' marginalize street vendors, hindering their recognition as legitimate urban contributors.
Societal Challenges
Exclusionary Urban Imagery: Society's perception of 'world class cities' stigmatizes street vendors, viewing them as obstacles to development rather than contributors.
Impact of Climate Change and Technological Advancements: Vendors face new challenges from climate change, e-commerce competition, and reduced incomes, requiring innovative solutions.
Need for Adaptation and Welfare Measures: The Act's provisions must be creatively utilized to address emerging challenges and ensure the welfare of street vendors.