<b>Examining the Implementation of Street Vendors Act, 2014: Recommendations to the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Urban Development</b>

Presented by Prashant Narang on behalf of Centre for Civil Society to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban Development on December 28, 2020, this testimony highlights the ongoing challenges in the implementation of the Street Vendors Act, 2014, despite its intent to protect and regulate street vending.Key Issues Identified:Non-functioning of Town Vending Committees (TVCs): TVCs are crucial for incorporating vendor participation in decision-making. However, over 25% of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have not established TVCs, and in six states, less than half have done so. Even where TVCs exist, vendor representatives often report a lack of regular meetings, poor communication, and language barriers.Delay in Vendor Identification: The Act tasks TVCs with surveying and issuing certificates of vending (CoVs). Yet, 38% of ULBs have not conducted surveys, and in metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai, most vendors remain unidentified. Furthermore, after surveys, 84% of identified vendors have not received their CoVs, with some states having issued none.Continued Harassment of Vendors: Despite legal protections, vendors face evictions contrary to the Act's stipulations. Centre for Civil Society's study of judicial orders reveals that evictions are a predominant legal contestation, with courts often disregarding the Act's provisions.Inadequate Planning and Arbitrary Zoning: The Act requires local authorities to create a vending plan that designates vending zones. However, planning is often poor, and the demarcation of zones is arbitrary, impacting vendors' rights and livelihoods.The testimony underscores the need for the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Urban Development to address these systemic issues to ensure the Street Vendors Act fulfills its purpose of protecting vendors' rights and livelihoods.