Insists on implementation of the Act to the Government, stakeholders told on International Labour Day
Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 1
Four years after the ‘Street Vendors Act’ was passed by the the Indian Parliament, vendors in Nagaland continue to be at the mercy of civic bodies, district administration, police and other agencies.
The reason – the State Government has yet to pass or adopt any Act along the lines of the ‘Street Vendors Act’ 2014, which ensures rights of street vendors to pursue their profession in a dignified manner.
The streets vendors, especially women, should insist that the state government also implement the Act not only for their benefit but also to boost the local economy, said Ajongba Imchen Chief Judicial Magistrate, Dimapur.
The CJM was speaking at the inaugural session of the ‘Uplifting Women Street Vendors’ programme, an initiative of the Entrepreneurs Associates in partnership with the Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA), Dr K & T Keditsu Foundation and Caring Friends, here at Bookmarc conference hall.
Around 100 women vendors drawn from three markets of Dimapur attended the programme, which also coincided with the International Labour Day.
Imchen, who is also secretary of DDLSA, further that the Article 19 (G) of the Constitution guarantees rights of street vendors against undue harassment from civic bodies or law enforcing agencies including random or arbitrary eviction.
“If at all the vendors are to be evicted, then there should be valid justifications on the part of the administration and that too after an alternative site has been earmarked for the streets vendors to conduct their business,” he maintained.
Taking the Super Market Wednesday Bazaar as a case in point, he further said the women vendors should demand basic facilities such as toilet, drinking water and space for their children, so that they can engage in their business with pride and dignity.
Dzüvinuo Chadi, one of the panel lawyers of DDLSA who spoke on ‘Legal Aid and Labour Rights,’ highlighted on the free legal aid provided by DDLSA especially to women facing any form of violence and harassment whether at home or workplace. The afternoon programme witnessed sessions on health care and financial management.
The Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) also provided intensive inputs on financial literacy and management; stressing on the importance of savings. Addressing the women vendors, Neichute Doulo, CEO & Coordinator of EA and Social Group of Ventures, spoke about the need for them to plan for their finances.
The only way to get rich is to save, make good investments and seek ways to increase income he asserted. Urging the women to be wise in making economic decisions, he highlighted some other livelihood enhancing opportunities that they can explore to increase their income.
A session on the saving schemes and products of EA under its Cooperatives wing EATACOL was conducted by Temsurenla Ao, Branch Manager, Dimapur.
The EA is undertaking this much felt need project for Women Vendors across the state to inform, empower and equip the street vendors to enhance their living standards. The project had been conceptualised based on observations made as a result of their work spanning nearly 2 decades. EA has conducted similar workshops in Kohima and Pfutsero with plans for more in other districts of the state.
Representing the Dr K &T Keditsu Foundation, Dr Thejavinuo Keditsu spoke about the common ailments that can affect women at any age and time. Keeping in mind the fact that many of these women sit in areas where there are no proper toilets or facilities to avail drinking water, she informed that women need to take precautions to enjoy a healthy life.
Touching upon issues like Urinary Tract infections and those that affect the reproductive systems, Dr Thejavinuo encouraged the vendors to listen to their body so that timely medical attention can be sought whenever required.
