Nowadays we see a large number of street vendors setting up stalls in no-vending zones near busy markets. No-vending zones can be established for them to ensure smooth traffic flow and maintain public order. However, many of these vendors are completely dependent on their earnings to support their families, which include elderly parents and school-going children. Although local shopkeepers’ associations also file complaints that the vendors are creating congestion and unduly affecting their business, a humane solution is necessary to this, understanding the economic vulnerability of the vendors. Such cases highlight the conflict between urban governance and social equality in a medium-sized city. Efforts are made many times to remove encroachments on the footpaths and roads of cities, but there has never been seriousness in these efforts. The result is that after running for a few days, these campaigns come to a halt, and the situation remains as it is. This troubles people.
The encroachment by shopkeepers and hawkers in main markets, squares, and lanes is increasing day by day. As a result, walking, let alone driving, has become difficult in the city markets. Street vendors, who depend on their trade for their livelihood, have encroached upon the designated no-vending zones near every busy market, causing traffic disruptions and complaints from local shopkeepers. Striking a balance between public order, fair business practices, and the economic vulnerability of vendors is an ethical and administrative challenge. Street vendors are an integral part of urban economies around the world, providing easy access to a wide range of goods and services in public spaces.
Even though street vendors are considered informal, they are important contributors to urban economies. Most people in this 21st century are street vendors. Informal economy monitoring studies have revealed the ways in which street vendors are strengthening their communities: Street vending plays a major role in job creation, productivity, and income generation. Street vendors are facing many problems at their workplace from the public, police personnel, politicians, and local miscreants.
Economically vulnerable individuals depend on vending for their livelihood. They are compelled to claim damages due to the competition and congestion posed by vendors. The need for smooth traffic flow and public safety in a busy market is also important.
Advocating for humane and sustainable solutions for vendors is a function of maintaining public order and ensuring equitable governance. Street vendors depend on vending to feed their families. However, their presence causes congestion and disrupts public order. A balance is needed to protect their livelihoods while maintaining traffic flow and public safety. Shopkeepers view vendors as unfair competition due to their low costs and informal operations. However, vendors often belong to economically weaker sections. Solutions must protect equity and ensure that shopkeepers’ interests are not unduly harmed.
While economic growth is important for a thriving city, social welfare policies must ensure that vulnerable groups such as street vendors do not face disproportionate hardship. Fair and just policies must integrate both economic development and the welfare of marginalized communities. Many vendors are breadwinners for their families, supporting elderly dependents and school-going children. Displacing them without alternatives can worsen their socio-economic conditions, making compassion essential in decision-making. Decisions must be transparent and inclusive, addressing the concerns of all stakeholders. Excluding any group can lead to unrest and undermine trust in the administration’s ability to govern fairly.
The population of cities is constantly increasing over time. Due to this, the number of vehicles is also increasing, and the number of people coming out for employment is also increasing, but the initiative that should have been taken at the administrative level to solve these problems in the cities has not been taken. After the campaign against encroachment, there is talk of creating parking and ready-made zones in the cities, but it is not visible on the ground to date. Therefore, it is natural for such problems to persist. For a permanent solution to this, implement a time-based vending schedule in no-vending zones so that vendors are allowed during non-peak hours while maintaining traffic flow.
Increase surveillance during peak hours to ensure public safety and reduce congestion. Develop a designated vending zone with essential facilities such as sanitation and drinking water, ensuring that vendors have a permanent place to work. Introduce a licensing system to regulate the number of vendors and prevent overcrowding. This approach addresses the immediate needs of vendors and shopkeepers while also creating a sustainable framework for the future. It balances public order, economic fairness, and compassionate governance, ensuring that all stakeholders are heard and supported.
Addressing the needs of street vendors, shopkeepers, and the public requires a balanced approach that focuses on both economic and social well-being. Government programs such as the PM SVANidhi Yojana provide financial support, while the Street Vendors Act, 2014 protects their rights. In the future, offering skill development, creating more vending zones, and promoting digital platforms will help vendors thrive and integrate into the city’s economy.
