Many vendors claim they have lost their only means of livelihood and are uncertain about how they will support their families, as they have neither official identity cards nor designated vending zones to continue their businesses.

ID cards yet to be issued

During the erstwhile Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) administration, a survey identified around 25,403 street vendors across the city. A large amount was spent on the survey, but many vendors are yet to receive official identity cards. According to vendors, the absence of ID cards has made it difficult for them to continue business even in areas other than arterial and sub-arterial roads.

Officials had earlier planned to distribute ID cards, but the process was halted because the cards carried the name of the former BBMP. Later, the government decided to issue new cards featuring the photographs of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

Following changes in government portfolios, the already printed cards were reportedly cancelled. Authorities have now decided to issue a new format of digital ID cards, resulting in further delays.

Vending zones yet to be identified

Plans to create vending zones for street vendors were initiated during the BBMP administration. Locations in areas such as Malleswaram, Gandhinagar and Jayanagar had been identified, and the process was reportedly in its final stage.

However, Karnataka State Street Vendors' Association president Rangaswamy alleged that the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority and administrative changes stalled the project. After the GBA came into existence, five municipal corporations were formed. With the restructuring, the earlier Town Vending Committee under BBMP lost its authority, and no new committee has been constituted.

According to vendor representatives, the GBA and the Traffic Police must jointly identify locations for vending zones, but the process remains incomplete in several parts of the city.

Vendors question eviction process

Vinay Srinivas, Executive Committee member of the Karnataka Progressive Street Vendors' Association, said the authorities have neither issued ID cards nor established vending zones. He alleged that the eviction drive without prior notice to vendors was not justified, despite the Supreme Court order.

Vendors blame administrative delay

Rangaswamy said delays by senior officials in issuing identity cards and identifying vending zones have created hardship for street vendors. He urged the government to immediately constitute the Town Vending Committee and take steps to protect the livelihood of street vendors.

Devesh Suraguppa