Street Vendors’ Conference in Pune Demands Effective Implementation of Street Vendors Act
Pune, 21st March 2025: A special conference was organized under the joint aegis of the National Association of Street Vendors of India (Maharashtra), Pathari Vyavsayik Sanstha Pune Ltd., Tapri Pathari Hatgadi Panchayat, and the Street Vendors’ Unity Committee to emphasize the effective implementation of the Street Vendors Act, 2014. The event took place on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM at the Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh Conference Hall.
The conference was presided over by Sangeeta Singh, Street Food Program Head of the National Association of Street Vendors of India. The event was coordinated by Gurunath Sawant (Program Manager, National Association of Street Vendors of India), Mohan Chinchkar (District President, Pathari Vyavsayik Sanstha, Pune), Deepak Mohite (President, Street Vendors’ Unity Committee, Maharashtra State), and Sunil Bhadekar (Vice President, Street Vendors’ Unity Committee, Maharashtra State). Deepak Mohite delivered the welcome address. Additionally, newly appointed members of the Town Vending Committee (TVC) were felicitated during the event.
The conference witnessed the participation of street vendors, organization representatives, and TVC members from Pune Municipal Corporation, Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, and Lonavala Municipal Council areas. Among those present were Sagar Dahibhate, Kalokhe, Muskan Shaikh, Asha Kamble, and Mandar Dhumal.
Key Demands Raised at the Conference:
Regular meetings of the Street Vendors’ Committee.
Strict implementation of the Street Vendors Act, 2014.
Creation of new vending zones to accommodate urban expansion.
Ensuring that the number of vendor representatives in the committee is not reduced during elections.
Stopping illegal actions and evictions against street vendors.
Allocating space for the Town Vending Committee office within municipal corporations.
Clarification on the tenure of Town Vending Committee members to avoid administrative confusion.
Sangeeta Singh emphasized the importance of the Town Vending Committee, stating, “The TVC has been established through immense struggle, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure its smooth functioning. Municipal administrations must uphold the law and protect the rights of street vendors. Unity is our strength—there are two crore street vendors in India, and they deserve justice. We will continue to fight for their rights.”
Gurunath Sawant highlighted the legal aspects, saying, “Understanding legal and constitutional provisions is crucial to finding solutions. Discussions on street vendors’ rights should take place at the legislative level. TVC members are elected representatives and must be given due recognition by the authorities.”
