‘Organised struggle crucial for street vendors’ rights’

Mangaluru: Despite existing laws in the country to protect the rights of street vendors, oppression and harassment by authorities are increasing. It is imperative for street vendors to engage in organised struggles for their rights and social security, stated BK Imtiyaz, honorary president of the CITU-affiliated Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors Association.
He made these remarks while inaugurating a gathering of street vendors and a membership card distribution event organized by the Talapady Zone Committee of the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors Association (CITU), near Beeri Junction on Saturday.
He urged the city municipalities, town municipalities, and town panchayats in Ullal taluk to conduct a comprehensive survey of street vendors, provide them with ID cards, and ensure proper arrangements for their livelihood. He also insisted that the National Highways Authority of India and the public works department (PWD) deal with street vendors humanely.
CITU district general secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal criticised the central and state govts for making announcements in favour of street vendors while secretly allowing unwarranted attacks on them. He lamented that despite the existence of laws for the protection of street vendors, both govts failed to implement them effectively.
Yashu Kumar Pakkala, Talapady unit president of the association, highlighted the struggles faced by street vendors, and emphasised that only through organisation and struggle can a better future be shaped.