Bodies demand ID cards for vendors
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 20 2014: Different vendor unions of Imphal city today urged the State Government to conduct a survey and provide identity cards to the street vendors of Imphal for verification purposes.

The joint meeting organised by the Roadside Vendors' Welfare Association, stressed on the implementation of street vendors welfare schemes and Street Vendors Act 2014.The meeting also took resolution to urge the State Government to implement the Supreme Court's decree on the welfare of the street vendors.

The resolution also demanded the State Government to conduct a survey in order to verify the licensed street vendors from the illegal vendors.

It also urged to provide a separate shed in Kwairamband market for the street vendors to sell their goods.

Sarda Manoharmayum, Revenue Officer, IMC Imphal, attended the meeting as the chief guest, Kshetri Tama, President, Roadside Vendors' Welfare Association presided the meeting as the president.

Khoirom Loyalakpa, Editor, Naharolgi Thoudang; Kh Chandrajini Devi, President, Ema Panthoibi Street Vendors union; M Bina, President, Lambi Matai Potpham Phambi Lup; Thanglechoi, Chairperson, Chiru Street Vendors Union; Jano Begum, Minority Muslim Street Vendors; L Mema, President, MKPAN also attended the meeting as the guests of honour.

Sarda Manoharmayum asserted that the State Government will soon set up a Town Vending Committee for the welfare of the street vendors.

Kshetri Tama stated that the reason for the rise of street vendors in the State is due to the fact that people in Manipur have long suffered and are still suffering under the gun power of certain people.

Daughters and wives of men who were killed by the armed individuals have no other means of livelihood to support the family other than to become street vendors.

She added that the armed conflict, unemployment and HIV infected people is on rise in the State.

These factors contribute to many social issues in the society and in the family which generally lead many womenfolk to come out and earn as street vendors.

Out of 100 street vendors, 60 of them are widows.

Each day, many of them suffered from harassment by the police and are being chased away from the spots with their goods scattered far and wide.

Government must be aware of these facts and initiate certain steps to improve the condition of the street vendors, Kshetri Tama said.

Stating that there is a provision for the street vendors under the National Urban Renewal Mission, Kshetri Tama questioned the State Government if it will declare Manipur as street vendors free State or will pocket the fund for their personal benefits.

Urging the State Govt to pay heed to the day to day adversities faced by the street vendors, Kshetri Tama added that the resolution taken up during the joint meeting must be fulfilled at the earliest.

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