Suggestions invited for street-vending policy in Shimla

The Shimla Municipal Corporation has sought suggestions from residents regarding a street vending policy for the town. The residents can either submit letters of their suggestions or send emails by October 3.

Municipal Commissioner Bhupinder Attri said the corporation was formulating a new policy for the street vendors, under which areas marked by blue lines will be allotted to registered street vendors. “For this, we are also seeking suggestions from the residents. During a special house meeting in August, the corporation had sought suggestions and objections from councillors,” he said.

Attri said the vending policy was in the works and it would be implemented soon.

As per the new policy, the Municipal Corporation has identified vending and non-vending zones across the town via a survey. The street vendors will only be allowed to set up their stalls in the allotted area. A street vendor’s registration number and photograph will be displayed at the stall. Only registered street vendors and hawkers will be allowed to set up stalls in the allotted area. Any vendor found selling wares from the non-vending areas will be fined. Only one person from a family will be issued vending licence.

While chairing a meeting recently, Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya had directed the corporation to complete the process by December 30. He had said preference would be given to widows, specially-abled persons and people belonging to economically weaker sections of society. He said effort would be made to give preference to the local vendors.