When was Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street
Vending) Act came into force in India?

Correct option is D

The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 came into force on May 1, 2014, after being passed by the Parliament of India. The act was designed to protect the rights of street vendors while also regulating their activities to ensure smooth urban governance.
Objectives of the Act:
1. To protect the livelihood of street vendors by providing them legal recognition and security.
2. To regulate street vending activities, ensuring that vendors do not disrupt urban public spaces.
3. To create a balance between the rights of vendors and the convenience of the public.
4. To set up Town Vending Committees (TVCs), which include representatives from the vendors, local authorities, and other stakeholders, to ensure fair regulation.
The act ensures that no street vendor is evicted without proper relocation or rehabilitation, safeguarding their livelihood while maintaining urban harmony.
Information Booster:
1. Key Features of the Act:
· Town Vending Committees (TVCs): Responsible for identifying vending zones and issuing licenses.
· Certificate of Vending: Vendors are provided certificates to legalize their activities.
· Protection Against Harassment: Prohibits harassment by local authorities or police without valid reasons.
· Relocation Guidelines: Vendors can only be relocated after proper rehabilitation measures are ensured.
2. Beneficiaries:
· Street vendors who rely on vending as their primary source of livelihood.
· The act benefits urban governance by formalizing and regulating street vending.
3. Significance:
· Promotes inclusive urban development by acknowledging the importance of informal sectors.
· Helps improve the socioeconomic conditions of street vendors.
4. Implementation Challenges:
· Lack of awareness about the act among street vendors.
· Inconsistent implementation across states and cities.
Additional Knowledge:
1. Background of the Act:
· The act is based on recommendations made by the National Policy on Urban Street Vendors (2009).
· It reflects India’s commitment to the International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines on informal sector rights.
2. Similar Welfare Initiatives:
· PM SVANidhi Scheme (2020): Provides working capital loans to street vendors to support their businesses.
· National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM): Focuses on improving the livelihoods of urban poor, including street vendors.
3. Constitutional Basis:
· The act aligns with Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to practice any profession or occupation.
4. Global Perspective:
· Many countries, including South Africa and Brazil, have adopted similar policies to integrate informal vendors into urban planning.