Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 Implementation Bottlenecks and the Covid-19 Crisis

Despite legal protections, street vendors still face major challenges. Many remain invisible in official records, as government estimates fail to reflect their true numbers. Town Vending Committees, meant to support them, are often dysfunctional or exclude vendors from decision-making. Evictions and extortion persist, forcing vendors to pay bribes or lose their livelihoods. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened their struggles, pushing many into debt and financial insecurity. Despite their vital role in urban economies, vendors continue to fight for recognition, stability, and the right to work without fear. Stronger enforcement and inclusive policies are crucial to protecting their rights.

Street vendors are a vital part of India’s urban economy, providing affordable goods and services to millions. However, they have long been seen as encroachers, leading to constant evictions and harassment by civic authorities. To address this, the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 was passed, aiming to provide legal recognition and regulate street vending. Unfortunately, its implementation has been slow and inconsistent. Many states have failed to set up Town Vending Committees (TVCs), conduct proper surveys, or issue vending certificates, leaving vendors in a legal limbo. The Covid-19 pandemic only worsened their struggles, forcing many into financial distress with little government support. The report stresses the need for urgent action to protect vendors’ rights and ensure they can work without fear.

For decades, street vendors have fought for their right to work, often clashing with local authorities over public space. The 2014 Act was supposed to end this struggle by ensuring that vendors are legally recognized, given specific vending zones, and protected from arbitrary eviction. It also mandated the formation of TVCs to regulate street vending fairly, but these committees have either not been formed in many places or lack proper representation.

Keywords: Street Vendors Act 2014, Livelihood Protection, Informal Sector, Urban Planning, Town Vending Committees (TVCs), Eviction & Harassment, Covid-19 Impact, Regulatory Challenges, Legal Framework, Social Security