Mumbai: Thousands of hawkers protested at Azad Maidan on Wednesday, demanding the government implement The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 and ensure hawkers get to earn their livelihoods without trouble.
Addressing a gathering of street vendors, Mumbai Hawkers Union president Shashank Rao said: “Our union is working for the protection and development of hawkers in Mumbai for 50 years. This protest is to request the government to enact certain laws for hawkers. We request the government to conduct a proper survey, provide registration and licenses to hawkers before any legal action is initiated against them, as per the 2014 law.”
Mr. Rao said there were nearly three lakh hawkers in Mumbai. “What will they do if they are asked to move? We request each and every political party to consider hawkers as hard-working people, and allow them to do their work without making it a political issue. I have faith that the government and the police will protect hawkers’ interest.”
Hawkers’ union general secretary Shankar Salvi said, “Till now, we were dealing with injustice meted out to us in a silent manner. We expect to receive our rights in the same way. Today, we have decided that if the government fails to give us our rights or take a decision within eight days, we will being protests on railway tracks and other places.”
Prajakta Parab, secretary, Mumbai Hawkers Union, said the police investigation of hawkers should stop immediately. “We are going to take our demands to the Chief Minister. The law brought into force in 2014 should be implemented as soon as possible.”
Bablu Pal, a hawker, said they are often asked to stop vending when there is a law and order issue.
“We have nothing to do with any political party. We are only fighting for our rights. Losses over the last 15 days has led to a shortage of money at home.”