Polls to elect panel members may lead to clashes: Hawkers

Hawkers have expressed disappointment in the government’s order to form a hawkers’ committee as representatives will now have to face elections to become members of the committee.

The hawkers said the election process was costly and unjustified. They alleged that it was a ploy to keep the hawkers away from the planning committee.

Navi Mumbai labour union president Praful Mhatre has written in this regard to urban development department.

In May 2014, the state government had issued a gazette notification to form an inclusive committee to plan for the hawkers in the cities and to issue them work permits. It stated that the committee, led by the municipal commissioner, should include various stakeholders including representatives of hawkers’ organisations.

Accordingly, seven representatives of hawkers had been made members of the committee. However, according to a revised order on October 7, this year, direct appointment of hawkers’ representative has been cancelled. Elections have been made mandatory for appointment of members.

“This order is to keep the hawkers’ representatives away f rom t he committee,” said Mhatre. “There will be a total of 17 members in the hawkers’ planning committee. Of these 40% — seven or eight — will be hawkers’ representatives.”

“Several hawkers’ unions owe allegiance to political parties. Elections will lead to polarisation and clashes,” said Mhatre.

“We have also objected to the mandatory requirement of caste certificate for getting work permit according to the revised order. The permits should be given only on the basis of the economic status of the applicant,” said Mhatre.

According to Mhatre, “The revised order has made several changes to Street Vendors ( Protection of Livelihood and Re gulation of Street Vending) Act.”