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 endeavour took the form of a street play held at Tagore Market in Vikhroli, Mumbai.
Mumbai, we embarked on a proactive initiative to raise awareness among street vendors about their fundamental rights. This endeavour took the form of a street play held at Tagore Market In Vikhroli, Mumbai. What made this event particularly impactful was that the play itself was conceived, written, directed, and performed entirely by the dedicated students of Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai. The street play served as a powerful medium to convey critical messages to the street vendor community. It revolved around three key themes, each of paramount importance:
1.Relocation Amid Government Intervention
2. Protection Against Extortion
3. Awareness of the SVANidi Scheme
pamphlets and dustbin distribution:
During our street play presentation, our engagement with the street vendors was multifaceted and purposeful. We were driven by a strong commitment to empower these vendors by raising awareness about their fundamental rights. To ensure that language wouldn't be a barrier, we took a proactive approach by distributing informative pamphlets in both Hindi and Marathi. These pamphlets contained valuable information about the rights of street vendors and how they could protect themselves in various situations. We wanted to equip them with the knowledge they needed to assert their rights confidently. But our commitment didn't stop there. We recognized the importance of cleanliness and hygiene in the market environment. Therefore, alongside our awareness campaign, we took practical steps to improve the vendors' working conditions. We distributed 100 dustbins to the vegetable and fruit vendors, providing them with essential tools for maintaining cleanliness in their areas.
Report made by:
a) Anurag Shelke
b) Pranav Athereya
c) Janhavi Deshpande
d) Akash Shirore
e) Vaishnavi Nagargoje
Pamphlet & Dustbin distribution:
a) Anurag Shelke
b) Janhavi Deshpande
c) Aakash Shurore
d) Omkar Tamhane
e) Hoysala Tejaswini ) Vedant Mainkar
9) Shantanu Mhaske
Data Collection:
a) Vaishnay Nagargoje
b) Akash Shirore
C) Janhavi Deshpande
d) Shantanu MIhaske
e) Anurag Shelke
Street Play:
Ist year (LLB) Students of MINIU guided by Devarshi Shirsath and Shrushti Wankhad