Complaints on the rise against migrant vendors occupying prime spots
Complaints are on the rise following a steep increase in the number of migrant street vendors operating near beach destinations in Kozhikode.
Several migrants, who initially sold toys and fancy articles, are now occupying prominent locations in crowded areas without complying with rules.
‘No valid registration’
“There were occasions when we intercepted overloaded goods-carriers operated by migrant workers, who had no valid registration or other mandatory permit documents. As there were chances to misinterpret our actions as it was a humanitarian issue, we did not take stringent action,” said a sub inspector. The ocer added that poor regulations by local administrators would draw more migrant traders to primes spots in the city.
Gypsy families
“While local traders remit huge fees to secure such spots, migrants who appear as gypsy families do brisk business at all prime spots for free.
“Their number is steadily on the rise causing nuisance to licensed traders,” said C. Sivarajan, a pushcart vendor.
Large-scale traders
Complaints have surfaced against a few large-scale street traders, who bring substantial quantities of toys and fancy items to Kozhikode beach for organised sales.
The complainants, mostly registered traders under the Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, suspect that wholesale traders from other States are involved in such street ventures.
“It is upsetting that children of these wandering traders are forced to beg on the streets for additional income,” said an elderly woman associated with the cleaning team of the Kozhikode Corporation.
She added that many rough-sleepers within such groups were found defacing public facilities and disposing waste materials in a reckless way.