The street vendors protection of livelihood and regulation of street vending act 2014 a critique of its efficacy with special reference to district Ludhiana Punjab

Abstract

Street Vendors are an essential part of urban economies in the world. In the past, this informal sector came from neighbouring countries China, Tibet and Afghanistan. Their counting increased after the implementation of the liberalization policy in 1991. The Apex court in 1989 held that Street Vendors have a fundamental right to carry on their business but are subject to reasonable restrictions and regulations. In 2004 National policy on urban Street Vendors was adopted and again revised in 2009 to promote and provide a supportive environment for Street Vendors to earn their livelihood. The Supreme Court in 2010 passed directions to the Central govt. to make a law by June 2011 to legalize the livelihood rights of Street Vendors and regulate vending activities. In the world, India is the first country which give legal sanction to this business. The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 is a supreme tool to protect the rights and to maintain the dignity of the Street Vendors. The main objective of this Act is to create a pleasant atmosphere for Street Vendors to continue their business with dignity. It is likely to give livelihood protection to more than 1 crore families. Even after passing eight years of the Street Vendors Act, 2014, the law is at the early stage of development due to the lack of sensitivity of the police and local authorities. The Street Vendors Act, of 2014 has some loopholes which need to be blocked to achieve the real objective behind it. newline