SEWA Dimapur observed International Street Vendors Day at DUDA Hall, Dimapur on November 14.
Dimapur, November 15 (MExN): The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Dimapur observed International Street Vendors Day under the theme ‘Decent Work and Economic Growth’ at DUDA Hall, Dimapur on November 14.
It was attended by government agencies such as DUDA, DMC officials, State Bank of India officials, Town Vending Committee members, SEWA members and street vendors, stated a press release received here.
The event began with an introduction to SEWA’s work by Lanu, SSK In Charge cum Field Mobilizer followed by a presentation by Temjenlemla, State Project Coordinator, SEWA Nagaland who shared insights from recent research on the implementation of the Street Vendors Policy in Nagaland. Her presentation specifically focused on the participation of women street vendors in the Town Vending Committee.
Guest of Honour, Thongchanbemo Tongue, CEO, Dimapur Municipal Council, shared his personal experiences of being a door to door vendor and encouraged the street vendors to work with honesty, transparency, and integrity. He also emphasised on a scheme ‘The Support to Urban Street Vendors’ which aims to address the vulnerabilities of urban street vendors. He assured to continue working for the betterment of the street vendors.
Rita Ghosh (a street vendor) briefly highlighted the changing patterns of climate change and its effects on the livelihood of the street vendors. Kiujimle, a TVC member shared about the gaps of the Town Vending Committee, followed by keynote speaker Armaan Ali, Assistant Manager of SBI RBO Dimapur, highlighted the importance of financial management and schemes available for street vendors.
As part of the event, SEWA representatives handed over a memorandum to the CEO of DMC, Deputy Commissioner and Secretary of Development Authority of Nagaland. The memorandum outlined key demands to improve the livelihoods of street vendors: Activation of the Town Vending Committee (TVC): This includes capacity-building training; for committee members in line with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014; Establishment of a Grievance Redressal Committee: To address the issues and challenges faced by street vendors; and Provision of Basic Amenities: Including access to free electricity, drinking water, dedicated women’s washrooms, and proper drainage facilities.
