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NHRC Asks States to Protect Street Vendors This Festive Season
NHRC has directed all states and UTs to ensure street vendors, diya makers and small traders are not arbitrarily removed or harassed during Navratri, Diwali and Chhath.
Key Highlights
- The order: NHRC has directed Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs to ensure street vendors and small traders are not unnecessarily displaced during the festive season.
- Who's covered: Hawkers, footpath traders, potters, diya and murti makers, sweet and vegetable sellers, flower sellers and rangoli colour sellers.
- Relocation rule: If moving vendors is unavoidable for safety, suitable alternative vending spaces must be provided.
- Against harassment: Complaints of harassment, extortion or arbitrary seizure of goods must be promptly examined.
- Deadline: Pending Action Taken Reports are due by October 18.
For many small traders, the festive season is the most important time of the year. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) wants to make sure they can earn during it. The Commission has directed the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories to ensure that street vendors, hawkers, traditional artisans and small traders are not unnecessarily displaced or stopped from working during Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Who the Order Protects
The directions cover street vendors, footpath traders, hawkers, Kumhars, local diya and murti makers, pottery sellers, small sweet vendors, malis (flower sellers), local vegetable sellers, rangoli colour sellers and other similar small vendors and artisans.
What Authorities Must Do
| Direction | What it means |
|---|---|
| No unnecessary displacement | Vendors should not be removed or stopped from trading without good reason |
| Alternative space | If relocation is unavoidable for emergency access or fire and public safety, suitable alternative spaces must be provided |
| No arbitrary seizures | Goods should not be seized unnecessarily |
| Action only by law | Any action must follow the law and consider vendors' livelihoods |
| Complaints | Harassment, extortion or coercion complaints must be promptly examined |
Local administrations have also been asked to support traditional trades and promote locally made products, in line with the "Vocal for Local" initiative.
