Street vendors are individuals who offer goods for public purchase without a permanent built-up structure from which to sell. They can be stationary, occupying space on pavements or other public areas, or mobile, moving from place to place with their goods. This workforce has seen a significant increase in number in developing countries across Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
In India alone, approximately 49.48 lakh street vendors have been identified, with Uttar Pradesh housing the maximum at 8.49 lakh, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 7.04 lakh. Interestingly, no street vendors have been identified in Sikkim.
Constitutional Provisions Backing Street Vendors
The Indian Constitution provides several provisions that safeguard the rights of street vendors. Article 19 (1) (g) confers every citizen the fundamental right to practice any profession, trade, or business. Article 14 ensures equality before the law and equal protection of laws within the country’s territory. Furthermore, the Constitution aims to secure social, economic, and political justice, along with equality of status and opportunity through its preamble and directive principles.
Factors Contributing to the Rise of Street Vending
The growth of street vending is attributed primarily to lack of gainful employment and escalating poverty in rural regions, prompting migration to cities for better prospects. Unfortunately, these migrants often lack the skills or education for secure employment in the formal sector and resort to work within the informal segment. Additionally, workers initially employed in the formal sector, having lost jobs due to industry closures or downsizing, typically turn to informal sector work to survive.
Challenges Encountered by Street Vendors
Despite their economic contributions, street vendors face numerous challenges. These include lack of allocated space in city master plans, difficulty in dealing with multiple authorities leading to exploitation and extortion, frequent eviction threats by administrations, and extortion rackets. Policymakers often perceive vendors as nuisances rather than elements needing regulation, causing additional hardships.
Government Initiatives for Street Vendors
Recognizing the importance of these individuals, several government initiatives have been introduced. The SVANidhi Scheme aims to benefit over 50 lakh street vendors, encouraging digital transactions through cash-back incentives. Additionally, organizations like the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) work towards protecting the livelihood rights of vendors. Another significant step is The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, enacted to regulate public area street vendors and protect their rights.
Way Forward to Improve Street Vendor Conditions
While numerous schemes exist for street vendors, gaps in implementation, identification, awareness, and accessibility should be addressed promptly. Benefits like maternity allowances, accident relief, natural death compensation, education support for children, and crisis period pensions should extend to this workforce. States also need to prevent harassment of street vendors by authorities, recognizing their right to livelihood.
Discussing globalization’s impact on employment in the formal sector, especially concerning the rise of the informal segment, is crucial in enhancing understanding of overall economic development.
