The Informal Economy and Street Vendors
The Street Vendors Act, 2014
This law recognises vendors' right to trade, requires surveys and vending certificates, and creates town vending committees.
After years of court cases and campaigns, Parliament passed a law to protect vendors.
Recognition
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 recognises vending as a legitimate livelihood.
Town vending committees
Committees with vendor representatives decide where vending is allowed.
Certificates
Vendors get certificates, and surveys are meant to identify them.
Implementation gaps
Many cities were slow to survey vendors or form committees, so protections remain uneven.
A city marks a lane where vendors may trade, so that they are not evicted without notice.
Implementation varies.
- The 2014 Act protects vendors.
- Committees decide vending zones.
- Certificates recognise vendors.
- Implementation lags.
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