Street vendors in Varanasi are facing continued harassment and eviction in the name of anti-encroachment, raising serious concerns over their livelihoods. In the Dashashwamedh area, vendors allege action even in designated vending zones, along with fines and seizure of goods.

Patna has the highest number of street vendors in Bihar, with nearly 40,000 vendors, according to data released by NASVI. Across the state, the total number of street vendors exceeds 2 lakh, highlighting their significant contribution to urban economies and everyday livelihoods.

A state-level workshop on the empowerment of street vendors was organised in Patna, bringing together municipal leaders, financial institutions, and vendor representatives.

The DEC Meeting in Gorakhpur brought together street vendors and stakeholders to discuss key issues around livelihoods and urban vending. Vendors raised concerns from new vending zones to protection from eviction.

An anti-encroachment drive in Chapra, Bihar, is set to cover key market areas, impacting thousands of small businesses and street vendors. The situation highlights the need for planned vending spaces and protection for street vendors. Street vendors are an integral part of urban economies and inclusive cities. Protecting their right to livelihood is not just

Protecting livelihoods matters. In Patna, the Revenue and Land Reforms Department has directed that street vendors should not be displaced without proper alternatives and designated vending spaces.

Ahead of a possible visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other VVIPs, an anti-encroachment drive was carried out in Varanasi, leading to the removal of street vendors from areas like Manduadih and Godowlia.