Ukhrul women vendors seek CM's attention amid rising challenges
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, August 12 2024: Zaoranao Shinshim Women Vendors' Association (ZSWVA) of the district's lone mother market, 'Ava Market', has appealed to Chief Minister N Biren Singh to address their long-neglected grievances at the earliest.

According to the Vendors' Association, poor women vendors at Ava Market faced myriad issues in the face of a surge in theft incidents inside the market premises and the recent decision by authorities to double the monthly vendor slot fee from Rs 150 to Rs 300, a move they feel disregards their hardships, among others.

During a press conference held at the market on Monday, ZSWVA chairperson Soso Zimik elaborated on the struggles faced by the vendors, many of whom are single mothers and the primary breadwinners for their families.

On behalf of the vendors, she urged the chief minister and the relevant authorities to initiate necessary security measures to secure the market and also reconsider the proposed fee hike, considering the economic strain already faced by the vulnerable vendors.

She stated that for no apparent reason, the previous two caretakers of the market were replaced last year and after that, there had been two major theft incidents inside the market place.

"The first occurred on July 28, when second-hand clothing valued at over Rs 50,000 was stolen and the second incident took place on August 12, during which a variety of items including second-hand clothes and fruits worth more than Rs 30,000 in value were stolen," she rued.

Zimik said that the Association had repeatedly apprised the local authorities about the frequent theft incidents but to no avail.

"On the contrary, the authorities had exempted the present two caretakers from their night shift duties, and instead advised us to follow the model of Ima Market Imphal, where two women vendors take care of our goods every night on roster system," she lamented.

She argued that having the vendors take responsibility for securing the market premises at night would be a big burden on them, given their daily domestic obligations.

She stated that the absence of security measures has threatened their financial stability and sense of safety within their working environment.

"We are now under constant stress, fearing the loss of our hard-earned merchandise, which is our only source of income," she said, urging the authorities to install CCTV at the market premises immediately.

At the same time, she contended that the proposed increase in the vendor slot fee would pose another significant challenge for the poor vendors who are already stretching their meagre resources to make a living.

Zimik reminisced about the positive impact the establishment of the women-only market had when it opened in 2018, offering a dedicated space for vendors who previously lacked proper facilities.

"We appreciate our CM for the initiative which we consider as a big step towards empowering women and fostering vending business among the economically disadvantaged womenfolk," she said.

Zimik, nevertheless, pointed out that the dream of stability and security in the marketplace has been marred by the grim reality of theft.

"Our goods, which represent our livelihoods, are frequently stolen during the night when the market is left unguarded due to a lack of watchmen," she lamented.

It was also learnt that the authorities had recently removed two charging stations located on the ground floor of the market, without even notifying the vendors who relied on these points to charge their mobile phones.

It may be mentioned that the District level Ava Market Committee in its July 23 meeting resolved to increase the monthly vending slot fee to Rs 300, an increment made after every five years.

In order to address frequent occurrence of theft at Ava Market, the Committee decided to adopt the model of Ima Market Imphal, where two women vendors take care of their goods every night on roster system and in the same manner, Ava Market Vendors shall take responsibility to keep visit for the safety of their own goods.

The Committee further decided that the two Chowkidars engaged in the Ava Market shall be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Market premises including toilets and ensure that the Ava Market area/premises are kept clean.

The Committee also discussed requirement of installation of CCTV cameras at Ava Market and decided to discuss the matter in the next meeting.

The Committee also decided that rain water harvesting at Ava Market shall be installed within July 2024 through the donation/sponsorship of the staff of the Transport/Vety & AH minister, and two MLAs of 44-Ukhrul and 43-Phungyar ACs who had agreed to extend assistance on request.

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