Did you know: Street Vendors have a Duty to Maintain Cleanliness

The High Court of Delhi issued a warning to the New Delhi Municipal Council to maintain the overflow of hawkers and vendors who block pedestrian pathways and litter the area.

What law governs street vendors in India?

Street vendors are governed by the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.

Where are the vendors allowed to conduct their business?

Every area will have a designated zone called the “Vending Zone” which is notified by the local authority on the recommendations of the Town Vending Committee. It can include pavements, footpaths and the like. They can only carry on their activities in these designated zones.

Are there different types of vendors under this Act?

Every vendor needs to get registered under this Act, and will be granted a certificate granting them the status of either a stationary or mobile vendor. If there are any other categories of vendors in any scheme, those will also be considered.

What are the rights and duties of street vendors?

Rights:

1. 1. Right to business: they have a legal and constitutional right to conduct their business. This, however, is subject to certain conditions.

• Right to a new site: on relocation, they have the right to be assigned a new area to conduct their activities.

1. Right against harassment: if they are following all the requirements under the Act, no person or police officer can prevent them from exercising their rights.

Duties:

• Removal of goods: they must remove their goods and wares at the end of their allotted time.

• Maintenance of hygiene: they must ensure that their vending zone as well as the adjoining areas are clean and hygienic. 

• Maintenance of civic amenities: they must ensure that the public property and civic amenities in their zone are not damaged and are in a good condition.

Payment of charges: they have to pay the maintenance charges as determined by the local authority.