Minister Hardeep S Puri Launches Initiatives to Empower Street Vendors and Strengthen Grievance Redressal

Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep S Puri, emphasized the importance of robust Grievance Redressal Committees (GRC) under the Street Vendors Act 2014, during the inauguration of a seminar focused on ‘Grievance Redressal Committee (GRC) for Street Vendors.’ The minister applauded the States/UTs that have already established GRCs and urged the others to expedite the process.

Street vendors play a vital role in the urban informal economy, and the Ministry is committed to creating a supportive and empowering environment for them nationwide, stated Minister Puri.

The seminar aimed to raise awareness among all States and Union territories on the significance of effective GRCs. Key stakeholders, including GRC members, attended the event to enhance their understanding of the legal provisions within the Street Vendors Act 2014. Participants discussed best practices from States and Union Territories that have successfully constituted and managed effective GRCs.

During the seminar, two websites, the refreshed PAiSA Portal Dashboard and the PM SVANidhi Mission Monitoring Portal, were launched by Minister Hardeep S Puri. These portals will provide real-time progress updates on the mission and scheme, fostering transparency and accountability.

The Centre for Civil Society presented insights into the Street Vendors Act, 2014, and GRC, highlighting the legal framework and its implications. A panel discussion on “Strengthening Grievance Redressal Mechanisms for Street Vendors” addressed challenges faced by street vendors, proposing effective solutions.

Minister Puri acknowledged the role of the Grievance Redressal Committees in ensuring fair treatment, resolving disputes, and upholding the rights of street vendors. He emphasized that an effective grievance redressal mechanism is crucial for fostering a conducive atmosphere for street vendors to conduct their businesses.

Through various initiatives, including the formation of Town Vending Committees, demarcation of vending zones, construction of vending markets, and issuance of Certificates of Vending, the Street Vendors Act, 2014, safeguards vendors, fostering economic sustainability, and contributing to vibrant urban spaces.

About PM SVANidhi: Launched on June 01, 2020, the PM SVANidhi scheme addresses challenges faced by street vendors, providing financial assistance to resume businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 57.83 lakh street vendors have been supported with loans within 43 months, despite facing three waves of the pandemic.