Street vendors protest at MCC commissioner’s office

Street vendors protest at MCC commissioner’s office

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 4, 2015: Urging MCC officials to stop raids on the street vendors they picketed the office of Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner.  The vendors urged to convene the street vendors committee meeting and distribute identity cards to the vendors.

Action should be initiated against the officials who assaulted the street vendors. The materials seized by the officials should be returned and no raids should be carried out on the street vendors, the protestors urged.  A war of words took place when MCC officials tried to send the protestors out.

Street vendors association honorary President Sunil Kumar Bajal alleged that the MCC has carried out raids even after the implementation of Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending Act, 2014.

The officials have been carrying out raids  and seizeing the goods, violating the act. The street vendors are not supposed to be evacuated without the consent of the street vendor committee of the MCC, which has been formed according to the act. But, the MCC officials are taking law into their hands.

He stated  about 300 street vendors were identified to get identity cards. Though the id cards have been printed, they have not been distributed to them. Specific zones have been identified for street vendors. But, basic amenities have not been provided at these places. It is inhuman and illegal to evacuate them without providing them alternate facilities. A protest was staged on March 19 in front of Mangaluru City Corporation office. They were assured by the officials concerned about convening a meeting of street vendors committee. Even after 10 days, no meeting has been held. If the Mangaluru City Corporation officials continue the illegal raid operations counter actions are on the cards. .

When street vendors picketed the office of the Commissioner, Hephsiba Rani Korlapati was not present in the office. The protestors maintained that they will not stop the stir until the problem is solved.

Revenue department Deputy Commissioner Raju Mogaveera came to the spot and informed the protestors that the Commissioner has assured of convening the meeting before April 16. The street vendors later withdrew the protest.  Raju Mogaveera said that the MCC has not prevented street vendors from carrying out business on streets. But it has prevented them from carrying out business within the radius of 100 metres around the main circles.

Association President Muhammed Mustafa, Secretary Santhosh Kumar were present among others.