Street vendors to launch agitation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 20 2016:
Since the enacted Street Vendors Act has not been implemented in the State and the grievances of the street vendors have been sidelined, street vendors of Manipur is all set to launch an intense agitation, said National Hawkers' Federation, Manipur general secretary Ksh Tama during the State level street vendors' convention held at GM hall today.
The programme was graced by Saktiman Gosh, general secretary, National Hawkers' Federation, L Sotin Kumar Singh, general secretary, All India Trade Union, Manipur State Committee, Laishram Mema Devi, general secretary, Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup and M Sakhi Devi, president, All Manipuri Nupi Marup as presidium members.
The convention also resolved to issue an identity card to all the street vendors.
It also urged the State Government to stop harassing the street vendors and set up proper market sheds at suitable places.
The convention further resolved to launch an intense agitation if these demands are not met within September.
The Parliament of India had enacted the Street Vendors Act for the welfare of the street vendors.
Though the act has been implemented in other States, the same is yet to be enforced in Manipur.
Instead of initiating required steps to ease the hardships, the street vendors are subjected to harassment by State police personnel, said Ksh Tama.
"The produces we sell are not something which are toxic to our health," Tama added.
Saktiman Gosh stated street vendors in other States are able to earn their livelihood as well as sell the produces without any difficulty since the Street Vendors Act has been implemented in their respective State.
The Government of Manipur should consider the plight of the street vendors and undertake necessary steps to enforce the Act.