Small traders under the banner of Pheri Patri Thela Vyavsayi Samiti held a workshop at Nagar nigam Auditorium, Varanasi on 12th November to discuss the provisions of Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. Under the chairmanship of samiti president Rajendra Singh, the association demanded implementation of instructions given by the Supreme Court in Sept last year in connection with patriwala traders. The chief guest was additional municipal commissioner Mr B K Dwivedi. Speaking on the occasion he said that identification of few vending zones has been done . After proper survey of the identified zones , the VMC will prepare the scheme draft for implementation. Presenting proposals Pramod Nigam said that small patriwalas should be seen with respect instead of burden on the society because they provide service to both the rich and poor.He said that the petty traders should be provided education regarding cleaniness etc.
Senior Program manager of The National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) Ms Sangeeta Singh said that with the making of some laws in favour of patriwallaws, hapiness returned to the faces of petty traders. However, she felt there is still need for more facilities to them apart from checking their exploitation and strongly advocated for that.
The speakers highlighted the features of the Act that safeguards interest of the street vendors in cities and provide legal protection to them to earn their livelihood. Representatives of several NGOs were also present during the workshop. Some speakers flayed the authorities for snatching the livelihood of petty traders in the name of auto stands which is against the rule .
The chief guest assured that the Nagar Nigam would implement the rules. Several others present at the workshop were –Dr Kumud ranjan, Maya Pandey Meera Tiwari Brajesh narayan, Chandra Bhanu ect.
