Policy for street vendors demanded
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 17 2025: Roadside Vendors Welfare Association (RSVWA) president Kshetri Tama Devi has appealed to the State authorities to refrain from causing undue hardship to street vendors, who rely on their work for livelihood, in the guise of eviction drives.

Instead the Government should formulate a comprehensive policy for street vendors.

She made the appeal during a street vendors meet organised by the Salai Taret Apunba Nupi Samaj Lup (STANSL), Khwairamband Keithel in association with RSVWA, Khwairamband Keithel at Rupmahal Theatre, here, today.

The programme held under the banner "Stop eviction of street vendors" was attended by Minority Muslim Women Vendors' Union advisor Ima Jano Begum, STANSL vice president Chanamthabam Tombi, secretary Pheiroijam Ibemhal Devi and RSVWA advisor Kh Ibeton Devi among others.

Addressing the gathering, Tama Devi stated that the State authorities' efforts to reclaim Government land through eviction drives are commendable but causing unnecessary hardships to street vendors in the process is unacceptable.

She added that the crisis in Manipur has led to unpredictable sales, making it challenging for street vendors to support their families.

Targeting them in eviction drives is unfortunate, she said, adding that street vendors are repeatedly affected by such actions.

Emphasising that the Government should formulate a comprehensive policy for street vendors, specifying daily operational hours, weekly and monthly vending days, and a fair fee system, she stressed that forcing them to operate on a rotational basis is a clear infringement on their right to livelihood.

Street vendors should not be made a scapegoat for every issue, she asserted and questioned what benefits the Government gets by targeting them.

Chanamthabam Tombi emphasized that street vending is a long-standing tradition and appealed to the authorities to show compassion towards street vendors struggling to make a living.

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