Street Vendors Association Nagaland held an awareness programme in Dimapur on protecting vendors from extortion, harassment and eviction.
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DIMAPUR — Street Vendors Association Nagaland (SVAN) held an awareness programme against extortion, harassment and forceful eviction of street vendors at Hotel Grand Maspel, Dimapur, on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion as special guest, vice president of Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), Shikuto Sema assured the association full support after formally accepting the association under the DCCI umbrella.
Sema said the DCCI recognises the SVAN as a genuine organisation and encouraged its members to work in accordance with the rules and regulations.
He stressed the importance of unity and cautioned the office bearers against internal divisions, saying many organisations have weakened due to factionalism arising from failure to adhere to established rules.
He urged vendors to remain dedicated to their work and assured them that DCCI would assist in resolving issues such as taxation, harassment and extortion.
Referring to the challenges faced by roadside vendors, Sema said the formation of the association was a positive step towards safeguarding their rights and ensuring they had a collective voice.
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The DCCI vice president also encouraged vendors to maintain a clean image by avoiding illegal activities and complying with government regulations.
Special guest and BJP Dimapur unit president Shekishe Achumi said the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 was enacted by the central government after being passed by the Lok Sabha in September 2013 and the Rajya Sabha in February 2014, before receiving the President's assent on March 4, 2014.
He said that, in line with the central act, the Government of Nagaland notified the Nagaland Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Rules and Scheme, 2019 to regulate street vending and safeguard vendors' livelihoods.
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He said the legislation recognises street vending as a legitimate profession, protects vendors from undue harassment and arbitrary eviction, and provides for designated vending zones.
He added that vendors are entitled to obtain vending certificates, participate in decisions concerning vending zones through their representatives, and enjoy equal treatment without discrimination.
While responding to media queries, the SVAN president Kughato Zhimo said the association would extend legal support to registered street vendors facing harassment, eviction or extortion.
He said vendors must obtain a vending certificate or permit from the municipal authority, possess a vending identity card and register with the association to be recognised as legitimate vendors under the Street Vendors Act.
Once registered, any vendor subjected to illegal eviction, extortion or harassment can file an FIR, and the association will extend all possible assistance.
Zhimo also highlighted the benefits available under the PM SVANidhi 2.0 scheme, which provides financial assistance ranging from INR 15,000 to INR 50,000 to eligible street vendors.
Clarifying the scope of the association, Zhimo said street vendors are not limited to food or fruit sellers but include all individuals carrying out vending activities in public spaces without permanent permits.
He informed that members of the previously unregistered second-hand vendors' union, which has over 500 members, have now joined the association to collectively safeguard their rights and interests.
Addressing concerns over extortion, Zhimo said registered vendors who become victims of illegal demands or intimidation can seek legal remedy by filing complaints under the relevant provisions of law, adding that the association would stand by them throughout the process.
He further stated that the association also represents vendors from neighbouring state Assam, who conducts business in Dimapur, as they too are part of the city's street vending community.
The president of the Second Hand Union Dimapur highlighted the difficulties faced by the union’s members, including extortion, harassment, and the stigma faced by second-hand sellers.