A Delegation of Street Vendors Joint Struggle Committee led by CPIML MLA Mahboob Alam met the Commissioner of Patna Municipal Corporation on February 23, condemning the relentless assault on the lives and livelihood of street vendors in the city. The delegation submitted an 11 point charter of demands, including the immediate stop on all demolition activities against vendors.

Mahboob Alam underlined that under the garb of Patna Smart city project and Metro project, street vendors are being displaced by the Corporation. While the Bihar government is boosting its policy of survey of street vendors, granting photo identity cards and loans to vendors, the same government is displacing street vendors and damaging their properties through the anti-encroachment drive. Furthermore, the vendors were not given prior notice or intimation regarding the action and such moves are in gross contravention of legal norms. The fact that Patna Municipal Corporation has not properly implemented the Street Vendors’ Act is quite deplorable.

The vendors are demanding an end to the violation of the Central Street Vendors Act and no eviction without alternative arrangements. Furthermore, all markets should have vendor zones and the process of issuing licences should be done as per the law. Vendor zones should be built in Multi Level hub near Patna station and strict action must be taken against corrupt corporation employees and other officials.

In October, last year, street vendors had embarked on a massive protest against the illegal eviction moves and the Commissioner has then assured that no coercive actions will be undertaken. But despite the assurance, there has been widespread demolitions and displacement of street vendors across the Patna.

The delegation informed the commissioner that the corporation must stand on its assurances and the demands of the street vendors be addressed. The delegation also warned that the street vendors will embark on a movement if the Corporation fails to address the issues.