By: Arvind Jadhav
Mumbai: Senior BJP leader and former Mumbai Deputy Mayor Babu Bhai Bhawanji has stated that government officials are misusing their power and position on the issue of street vendors, and street vendors are being treated unfairly. A meeting was held with Mumbai street vendors at Pramod Mahajan Garden in Dadar, chaired by Bhawanji, where it was decided that all would unite to fight for the rights of street vendors.
There are approximately 300,000 street vendors in Mumbai, and if their families are included, the number would be around 1.5 million. Street vendors sell products from millions of farmers and factories, and their business affects a large number of voters. If they unite, they can bring about significant political changes in Mumbai and surrounding areas. R U Singh, a senior BJP leader, emphasized that politicians should approach the issue of street vendors with sympathy rather than cruelty.
The leaders demanded that the BMC create a plan for the rehabilitation of street vendors, providing them with secure locations for their livelihood. A legal framework should be created to protect the rights of street vendors and allow them to conduct business without fear. Street vendors should be helped to obtain necessary documents, such as domicile certificates. The leaders also highlighted the importance of street vendors in Mumbai’s economy and the need for politicians to understand their struggles.
