New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed states and Union Territories not to remove street vendors unnecessarily during the festive season.
Where such removal is absolutely necessary, alternative vending space is to be provided, it has said.
This has to be done to protect the livelihoods and human rights of local vendors, street vendors, hawkers, potters and small traders in view of the upcoming Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities, NHRC has said in its order.
This came after the human rights watchdog received complaints regarding the alleged unnecessary removal of local vendors and hawkers in various cities, seizure of their goods, imposition of fines and harassment.
A similar directive had been passed by the commission last year. It had directed the concerned States and local authorities to examine the allegations and take necessary action.
Action Taken Reports (ATRs) will also have to be filed this year by October 18.
The NHRC has noted that its intervention was again required this year to ensure the protection of the livelihoods and human rights of local vendors during the festive season.
During Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja, local vendors should not be unnecessarily evicted or deprived of their livelihoods. Where vacating a location is necessary on account of fire safety or public safety, suitable alternative vending spaces should be provided, it has said.
The Commission has further directed that vendors’ goods should not be arbitrarily seized or subjected to unnecessary action, and that complaints of harassment, extortion or undue interference should be dealt with in accordance with law.
The NHRC has also asked the local administration to promote local vendors, traditional occupations and locally manufactured products in the spirit of “Vocal for Local.”
It has directed the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories to ensure wide circulation of these directions among district magistrates, municipal authorities, police and other concerned officials, and to ensure their effective implementation.
