The street vendors' association has requested UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi to get a legislation protecting their livelihood passed in the ongoing monsoon session of parliament.
"We hope the street vendors' bill will be passed in the ongoing monsoon session ... We have written a letter to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi for her intervention to ensure passage of the bill," Arbind Singh, national coordinator, National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) said.
According to NASVI, the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill would protect the livelihood, dignity and rights of street vendors. It will also change the face of Indian cities and make these inclusive and sustainable.
As per the bill provisions, anyone over 18 years of age can register with the town vending committee for doing business. They will be provided identity card which will allow them to sell their products in the allocated vending zones.
"The bill provides setting up of vending zones for hawkers with minimal restrictions and without fear of being fined by municipal authorities," the statement said.
NASVI has over 4.5 lakh members in 23 states.
"If the bill is passed, street vendors would take out victory processions and commend the government but if not, 'dhikkar abhiyans' (damning campaigns) would start from September 7," the statement added.
According to the housing development and urban poverty alleviation ministry, there are 10 million street vendors in the country.
Mumbai accounts for 250,000 street vendors, Delhi 200,000, Kolkata over 150,000 and Ahmedabad over 100,000.
