Vendors not liable for road congestion: RSVWA
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 18 2025: Road Side Vendors' Welfare Association (RSVWA) celebrated its 27th foundation at Rupmahal Theatre located at BT road on Saturday.

Speaking at the event, RSVWA president Kshetri Tama regretted the narratives of police personnel and the public claiming that street vendors caused road congestion.

"It is not the street vendors but the poor planning of the government that causes road congestion," she clarified, adding that the vendors in the market are also playing a vital role in maintaining cleanliness of the market.

Vendors not liable for road congestion: RSVWA

Pointing out that Livelihood and Protection of Street Vendor Act was passed in 2014 and that states are directed to issue guidelines and by-laws according to the Act, she said that the failure of the state government to make any by-laws and guidelines for the same is unfortunate.

She then demanded the government to take up all necessary measures to promote the welfare of the street vending community.

Opining that the development of market will help boost the economy, she lauded the government for constructing temporary markets for the benefits of street vendors.

Attending the celebration, All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) president Pheiroijam Nando Luwang stated that meeting between Union Home Minister and Kuki Zo Council was arranged directly by the India government.

He rued that while solution could be brought by a joint sitting and expressing their needs and concerns, the Indian government continues to hold separate meetings, engaging in communal politics that appears to undermine unity and harmony among the communities.

According to Luwang, it s not only Meetei, but other communities as well, that have expressed that Kuki-Zo's demand is illogical as there is no supporting document to back their demand.

"Every commuhity has the right to make their own demand, but the government needs to scrutinise these demands to determine their feasibility and whether there is any supporting documentation" .

Regarding maintenance of cleanliness in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, Luwang noted that every individual in the state shares the same responsibility in keeping the city clean.

He also reacted tp the IMC and city police blaming street vendors for the city's pollution, and stated: "While street vendors may contribute to road congestion and cleanliness issues, blaming them alone is unjust" .

The foundation day celebration was also attended by National Hawkers' Federation general secretary Shak-timan Gosh as special guest, MAKPAL president Oinam ongbi Bilashini as guest of honour and RSVWA advisor Jano Begum and Kh Ibetombi as presidium members.