Despite the formation of the Town Vending Committee to address the issues of street vendors, no solutions have been achieved so far. Udaipur Municipal Corporation is taking action against vendors, claiming they are encroaching on public spaces. This has left many vendors struggling.

Proper Plan Needed

No proper space has been designated for street vendors in the city. There is also no plan in place to organize them. So far, no facilities have been provided to the vendors.

Elections for the Town Vending Committee were held in December last year, with members elected. These members were expected to work with the corporation to help street vendors. However, this collaboration has not happened yet.

12,500 Licensed Street Vendors

Five years ago, the corporation identified many street vendors. However, only a few were given licenses. According to regulations, 2.5% of the population should be licensed. Based on Udaipur's population of 500,000, there should be 12,500 licensed street vendors.

Instead of giving street vendors a designated place, the municipal corporation is evicting them. The rules state that a vendor zone should be created first, and then vendors should be relocated there. Unfortunately, not a single vending zone has been established in the city.

Additionally, 5% of the Smart City budget is supposed to be spent on the development and employment of street vendors. Yet, not a single penny has been spent on this.

Source: Rajasthan Patrika