Roadside vendors observe their day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 18 2015:
Roadside Vendors Welfare Association, Khwairamband Keithel today celebrated its 16th Foundation Day at GM Hall today.
Wangkhei AC MLA Y Erabot was the chief guest of the function while Imphal Municipal Council Chairperson A Nimai, IMC Bazar Board Committee Chairperson S Tiken, NHF general secretary Saktiman Ghosh, AITUC/MSC general secretary L Sotinkumar and Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup president Y Ibeni were the presidium members.
In his speech, Y Erabot said that street vendors who are earning livelihood by selling different items at different markets of the State must be encouraged.
Saying that there is a Supreme Court directive to provide space to street vendors, the MLA said that the said directive must be strictly followed in the State as well.
L Sotinkumar while speaking at the function said that womenfolk have been taking active roles in different issues besieging the State.
As such, it must not be forgotten that most of the street vendors are women and they are maintaining their families by selling vegetables and other items.
Roadside Vendors Welfare Association president Kshetri Tama said that the State Government has not been able to fully implement the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation) Act.
The street vendors are also not provided the benefits under National Urban Renewable Mission, Tama said.
The State Government is trying to give away the empty space on the top floor of three Ima Keithels to private parties instead of providing it to poor street vendors.
She also demanded the Government to constitute a Town Vending Committee, issue vendor license to street vendors by conducting a survey, provide benefits under NULM to street vendors, distribute the empty spaces of three Ima Keithels and temporary market shed to street vendors and construct another Ima Keithel near ISBT Khuman Lampak.