Mangaluru
The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has set up a vending zone for street vendors near the State Bank bus stand after their displacement during the Operation Tiger drives. However, the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors Association has raised concerns about the lack of facilities and the suitability of the location for business.
The MCC has allocated spots for 93 street vendors in the new area, but many vendors are seeking to return to their original locations on Maidan Road, Lady Goschen Road, Central Market, and Hampankatta. The association’s members have expressed that the new vending zone does not meet the needs of fruit vendors and is not comparable to those found in other cities across India. They have called for an inquiry into the situation.
The association has requested that the MCC conduct a survey of street vendors and establish a new town vending committee. They argue that the creation of vending zones should be done scientifically and focus on customer needs.
Additionally, all 667 street vendors in the city should receive identity cards without delay. It has been noted that while a list of vendors was prepared in 2022, the distribution of these identity cards has not yet occurred. The association has urged the city corporation to cease operations against street vendors and ensure their rights are protected.
