Street vendors are individuals who sell goods, food, or services on the streets and in public spaces. They are typically self-employed and operate in public areas like sidewalks, markets, and parks. Street vending is a common livelihood for many people in urban areas and plays a crucial role in the informal economy.
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and the National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2009, are legal frameworks in India that aim to protect the rights and regulate the activities of street vendors.
In line with our mission within the Pro Bono Club at Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai, we embarked on a proactive initiative to raise awareness among street vendors about their fundamental rights. This endeavor took the form of a street play held at Tagore Market in Vikhroli, Mumbai.
During our presentation of the street play, our engagement with the street vendors was multifaceted and purposeful. We actively distributed informative pamphlets in both Hindi and Marathi, effectively bridging any language barriers, to raise awareness among street vendors about their fundamental rights. Alongside this, we provided essential tools for cleanliness and hygiene by distributing dustbins to the vegetable and fruit vendors. Our aim was not only to inform but also to educate on the importance of maintaining a clean market environment. In addition to these tangible actions, we deeply engaged with the street vendors to understand their unique challenges. Through meaningful interactions, we uncovered a range of issues that the vendors grapple with daily. These challenges painted a stark picture of their struggles within the complex web of bureaucracy and exploitation.
Problems voiced by the vendors included:
Fines and Seizures
Lack of Legal Identity
Bargaining Power
Residential Documentation
We discovered that the law, when brought to life through storytelling and community outreach, can bridge gaps and break down barriers. It was a lesson in the profound impact that education and advocacy can have on fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society. We realized that in our pursuit of justice, we not only uplifted the lives of street vendors but also enriched
our own understanding of the power of collective action and shared humanity.
Report made by:
a) Anurag Shelke
b) Pranav Athreya
c) Janhavi Deshpande
d) Akash Shirore
e) Vaishnavi Nagargoje
Data Collection:
a) Vaishnavi Nagargoje
b) Akash Shirore
c) Janhavi Deshpande
d) Shantanu Mhaske
e) Anurag Shelke