International Hawkers Day observed
Street vendors, activists urge Govt to enact vendor welfare policies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 26 2018: In view of worldwide observation of International Hawkers Day, Road Side Vendors Welfare Association Manipur also celebrated the day at GM hall, Imphal demanding immediate implementation of Street Vendors Act 2014 among others.

The demands of Manipur street vendors include implementation of the- said Act, identification of street vending zones, formation of Town Vending Committees in all local bodies, launching of a survey to identify street vendors for provision of ID cards and creating awareness among the revenue, local body officials and police on the Street Vendors Acts 2014.Speaking on the occasion, Associate Professor MU, Dr Chinglen Meisnam stated that the observation of International Hawkers Day is very significant for the street vendors who are earning their livelihood by selling goods on the roadside while underlining the inconveniences faced by the said vendors from police personnel and authorities.

He further said that although the Street vendors Act 2014 has been implemented in various States of the country, the Govt has not given the nod to implement the act in the State which is quite unfortunate for the street vendors of Manipur.

"It would not be an exaggeration to say that the inconveniences faced by the street vendors are a result of the absence of the said act", he asserted.

The State Govt has also failed to provide a space to open their (Street vendors) stalls on the eastern side of the temporary market, the Professor said while adding that the prolonged demands of the street vendors to acquire spaces in and around Naga Nala, Alu Gali and BT road have also not been entertained by the Govt.The Professor has sought immediate attention of the State Govt to take up necessary measures for the welfare of the street vendors.

On the other hand, Social Scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram claimed that the previous Govt as well as the present Govt have continued to turn a blind eye to the plights and demands of the street vendors.

The women street vendors and their goods at Khwairamband Bazar are seen as 'football' by police personnel and the habit of kicking and scattering their vegetables and items is still in trend which are often witnessed in the market.

Underlining the will and bravery of Manipuri women in attaining independence, Dr Dhanabir asserted that such ill habits towards women, who sell their goods to fill their stomach and send their children to school should be looked into at the earliest.

Retd IPS Manaobi said that these women, some even acting as bread earners of their families, who are working hard under unforgivable weather should be respected.

He opined that the State Government should take up appropriate policies and programmes to protect the street vendors at the earliest.

Social activist, Mutum Churamani claimed that the police allow several outsiders to open their stalls at the streets openly, however, the goods of the women street vendors are often destroyed, apart from levying heavy taxes.

He further questioned where the tax are deposited at and to whom.

The State will progress and flourish if the State Govt takes up necessary remedial measures and implement Street Vendors Act 2014, at the earliest, he added.

Associate Professor, MU Dr Chinglen Meisnam attended the occasion as special guest, Imphal East ZP Up-Adhyaksha, Kshetri Tama Devi as functional president, social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, retired IPS S Manaobi, social activist Mutum Churamani, Cohar Manipur Chairman Phulindro Konsam, Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Nupi Lup general secretary L Mema as guests of honour.

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