Urgent Need for adherence to the Vending Policy
Urgent attention is called for to check the unrestricted flow of the large number of population entering GK-II comprising peripatetic vendors on bicycles, bikes, carts. These vendors freely roam around while shouting at the top of their voice, often using loudspeakers and tape-recorders disturbing the peace and quiet as well as compromising the security of the colony. In fact, instances have been observed where these vendors do recce of the area with a criminal intent. Main targets are houses occupied by single ladies and senior citizens as well as vacant homes. Any information so gathered gets passed on to anti-social elements.
It might be pertinent to refer to the notification dated 23rd Sep 2015 F.No. 13(4) 2011/UD/MB/2014/6093, namely the street vendors Act, 2014 (protection of livelihood and regulation of street vending), wherein Chapter 4 mandates registration of these vendors on payment of a fee. This Street Vending Policy however remains by and large ignored.
While nobody is against the street vendors who are out to earn their livelihood, the system certainly needs to be streamlined. We can replicate the best practices followed in Noida where approved vending zones have been operating since the last five years.
Vendors are presently deprived of all civic amenities and are engaged in their businesses on roadsides, thereby causing traffic congestion. Their activities also pose inconveniences to the public, particularly the pedestrians.
The new guidelines have made it clear that footpaths and other walkways cannot be used by vendors who must be allotted proper vending space. The current law necessitates adherence to the following rules.
The local Municipal Authority should issue licenses to vendors for a small fee On violation of rules, a vendor will have to pay a penalty of ?1,500 to ?2,000 No vending activity will be allowed on footpaths, flyovers, foot over bridges and other walkways Vendors cannot play music so as to avoid causing nuisance to public The licenses are renewable after every three years. A committee under the aegis of the Municipal Authority will monitor vending zones and it will have to conduct an inspection once every three months. The Municipal Authority will provide municipal services to vendors. Dustbins will be provided to vendors.
The local Authorities and Police would do well to ensure compliance with these norms in GK-2.
