Pune : PMC to conduct survey of roadside vendors
By: Pune Pulse
September 6, 2023
Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to conduct a biometric survey of street vendors.
As per information, the PMC conducted a biometric survey of street vendors nine years ago. Since then, no further surveys have been conducted, creating a demand for a new survey.
Additionally, the city needs to identify suitable sites for the rehabilitation of street vendors. The civic administration has made it clear that the survey will only be conducted once the site and its capacity have been finalized. Under the chairmanship of Vikram Kumar, Commissioner, PMC the first meeting of the Hawkers’ Committee of the PMC took place on Wednesday.
As per the information received, the meeting focused on providing them with another place. Back in 2014, biometric registration of street vendors was carried out in the municipal area, with 13,000 vendors qualifying as voters.
During the meeting, there was a demand for a fresh re-registration, which the administration agreed to. However, before proceeding with the re-registration, the PMC will conduct a survey of the city’s municipal lanes, mandis, and public places. This survey will determine how many licensed professionals can be accommodated in these areas.
During the meeting, some members expressed opposition to the seizure of food vendors’ cylinders in the PMC’s encroachment drive. In response, the administration clarified that no action will be taken in areas where there are designated food zones. It was emphasized that street food preparation and sales are not permitted, and the number of food zones in the city is currently very limited.
The administration also assured in the meeting that it would provide spaces for food zones. In 2017, the Central Government formulated a livelihood scheme for street vendors. However, its implementation was halted by the Bombay High Court until members of the street vendor committee were elected.
The implementation of the scheme will involve the issuance of sale certificates and licenses. Guidelines will be incorporated to ensure clarity on the percentage of reservations for transgenders, single mothers, widows, and differently-abled individuals when issuing street licenses. Additionally, a plan for the scheme will be submitted to the state government for approval, and implementation will commence once approval is granted.
Madhav Jagtap, Deputy Commissioner, anti-encroachment department, PMC informed that only after this survey has been conducted will a biometric survey take place. Recently, the PMC elected eight committee members, along with NGO representatives.
