Street food vendors giving boost to socio-economy
Source: Chronicle News Service / Premchand Thongam
Imphal, September 18 2022:
Just like anywhere across the globe, street food vendors are mushrooming in different corners of the state.
Even though, these street food vendors are yet to be regulated by the authority, they are giving a significant boost in enhancing the socio-economic condition of the society as they are often a destination of choice for street food lovers, who either do not have time to dine at a restaurant or want to take a short rest with a delicious snack on the roadside.
Increasing numbers of street food vendors could be seen not only in the heart of Imphal city but also in the outskirts and rural areas since the past few years.
For instance, the road stretch from North AOC to Khongnang Ani Karak has over 10 street food vendors, where large number of customers could be seen flocking mostly in the afternoon and evening.
Similar stalls could be seen along the road in front of Manipur Legislative Assembly and Khoyathong to DM College road, as well as along Khagempalli road, where one could witness a cluster of such stalls often creating traffic jams.
These roadside stalls offer veg and non-veg food items ranging from Pani Puri to cooked or fried meat items.
These stalls have been successful in providing a steady source of income to many families.
Educated unemployed youth, who could not shell out a fortune to start a private business or company, are finding this roadside business a sure shot means of making a living.
Street foods are also among the most favourite foods for tourists as they get the real taste of local cuisine unlike in fancy restaurants where cuisines of different cultures are offered.
Countries/cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Turkey (Istanbul), Italy (Rome) and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro) are known for their street foods.
Similarly, cities like Mumbai, Amritsar, Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Kolkata are popular among international tourists visiting India.
Despite the positive impacts of these roadside stalls in the state, there is still the need for a proper regulation by the government authority in order to ensure safe and hygienic foods are consumed by the consumers.
Project Clean Street Food is one of the initiatives taken up by FSSAI under a 360 degree approach to Food Safety and Healthy Nutrition.
This would involve training and capacity building of the street food vendors and ensure proper regulatory oversight over them under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.The project was taken up with the objective to ensure health, hygiene and safety standard of street food for all consumers; to ensure social and economic upliftment of street vendor community by helping them in improving quality of offerings thereby attracting more customers; and to enhance the popularity of Street food by transforming it into a global brand by itself.
Unfortunately, the food safety authority in the state seems to be amiss in this regard.
Till date, no initiatives have been taken up to regulate these roadside food stalls in the state.
Most of the street food vendors do not have FSSAI license.
They also do not have license from the town administration under Street Vendors Act, 2014.There is no mechanism to check the quality of food offered, materials used in preparation and hygienic condition of the food.
However, a source from the state food safety authority said that they are planning to organise trainings for street food vendor operators in different districts shortly.
With the state witnessing an increased number of tourist footfalls, there is the need for ensuring safe and hygienic street foods which could not only enhance the income of the operators but also attract more tourists thereby improving the economy of the state.
Apart from the food being offered in these stalls, it is also important to keep the surroundings of the stalls neat and clean.
Comment
