The Unyielding Spirit of India's Street Vendors

 

The raw determination and unwavering spirit of street vendors and hawkers have always resonated deeply with me. I wrote about their plight in January 2018, long before the government began to view them with more sympathy. Their daily struggle, often hidden in plain sight, is a testament to the human will to survive and thrive against overwhelming odds.

These individuals face an onslaught of challenges, yet their resolve remains unbroken. One can't help but marvel: Why do they persist through such hardship? Why haven't they resorted to crime?

Each vendor supports a nuclear family of at least four in urban areas, and often contributes to an extended family of six or seven in rural India. They aren't just feeding their immediate kin; they're vital pillars for the sustenance of families back home.

Their occupational challenges are immense. Many deal in perishable goods, a constant race against time and decay. The ever-present threat of a sudden bandh or riot can wipe out their day's earnings and destroy their merchandise. Add to this the vagaries of weather and simply "bad days at the office," and their financial precariousness becomes stark.

Access to money is another significant hurdle. Many lack bank accounts or, if they have one, can't secure formal loans. This forces them into the clutches of private moneylenders who charge exorbitant daily interest rates, leading to mounting debt with every day of nil sales. On top of this, they face constant extortion from local thugs and even corrupt elements within law enforcement and municipal authorities.

Despite these crushing pressures – the needs of both their nuclear and extended families, the constant financial strain, and the relentless exploitation – they continue to skillfully bargain, smile, and serve us. It's truly astonishing.

And if that wasn't enough, the dreaded municipal flying squad can seize their merchandise, forcing them to scrounge for additional resources to pay fines and reclaim their goods, losing precious trading time in the process.

It's astounding that as a nation, we have largely excluded such a significant number of citizens from our formal financial system. These aren't just vendors; they are entrepreneurs. They may not have plush offices or employ hundreds, but each one is an employment creator, not a job seeker.

For too long, we have overlooked this resilient section of our society. It's high time we address the systemic issues they face. Can our governments truly deliver justice to these incredibly tenacious individuals? Their spirit to survive, against all adversity, demands nothing less.

Link to read about PM SVANidhi scheme Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on June 1, 2020, supports street vendors with collateral-free loans up to ₹10,000 for one year. It promotes economic upliftment, digital literacy, and reduced dependency on informal credit, benefiting approximately 50 lakh vendors.

In conclusion We must regulate yet also care for these Street Vendors, they are an integral part our life.