Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, aims to protect the rights of urban street vendors and to regulate street vending activities, providing a framework for their livelihood and inclusion in urban planning.
1: Act Background and Ministry Under Which This Act Is:
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, was enacted to protect the rights of urban street vendors and to regulate street vending activities. This act aims to provide a framework for the protection of livelihoods and the regulation of street vending in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of both vendors and the public. The act falls under the administrative purview of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, which oversees matters related to urban planning and development in India. The ministry plays a crucial role in ensuring the inclusion and protection of vulnerable populations in urban areas.
2: Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, was enacted on 4th March, 2014, and is known as Act No. 7 of 2014. The act is structured into ten chapters. It comprises 39 sections, covering various aspects such as definitions, regulation of street vending, rights and obligations of street vendors, relocation and eviction, grievance redressal, plans for street vending, town vending committees, prevention of harassment, and penal provisions. The act also includes two schedules outlining the plan and scheme for street vending. The act has been amended over time to reflect changing requirements.
3: Act Governed By:
The Street Vendors Act is governed by the Central Government, which has the power to make rules and regulations under the Act. The act also provides for the establishment of Town Vending Committees (TVCs) to oversee the implementation of the act at the local level. The act is governed by the provisions outlined within it, as well as rules and regulations framed by the Central government. It is therefore a combination of central authority with a local authority implementation.
4: On Whom It Is Applicable:
The provisions of The Street Vendors Act are applicable to all street vendors, local authorities, Town Vending Committees, and all other persons and entities involved in street vending activities in India. The act ensures that all such entities and individuals adhere to the regulations outlined, as well as the Act’s mandate and guiding principles. The general public are indirect beneficiaries of the Act’s provisions. The act’s focus is to protect the rights of street vendors.
5: Penalties/Punishments:
The act prescribes penalties for contraventions, including:
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Illegal Vending: Vending without a certificate of vending attracts penalties.
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Contravention of Terms: Contravening the terms of a certificate of vending attracts penalties.
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Violation of Rules: Violating the rules or schemes made under the act attracts penalties. The act seeks to ensure compliance and prevent misuse of vending rights.
6: Important Pointers:
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Town Vending Committees (TVCs): The act provides for the constitution of TVCs to oversee street vending.
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Surveys of Street Vendors: It mandates surveys to identify and register street vendors.
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Certificate of Vending: It provides for the issuance of certificates of vending to eligible street vendors.
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Vending Zones: It allows for the designation of vending zones and no-vending zones.
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Relocation and Eviction: It regulates the relocation and eviction of street vendors.
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Grievance Redressal: It provides for a grievance redressal mechanism for street vendors.
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Plan for Street Vending: It mandates the preparation of a plan for street vending.
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Rule-Making Power: It empowers the Central and State governments to make rules and regulations for carrying out the purposes of the act. The act is a comprehensive effort to regulate street vending.
7: Act Copy: