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New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories following allegations of harassment and inhumane treatment of roadside vendors, hawkers and pottery sellers by municipal authorities in various cities during the festive season.
A bench headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanungo took cognizance of a complaint stating that local pottery vendors, small sweet vendors (halwais), ‘maalis’, vegetable vendors, rangoli color vendors and other sidewalk traders were being challaned, fined and evicted on the pretext that they obstruct the way for fire brigades and ambulances.
The complainant alleged that the Municipal Corporation authorities, in connivance with the local shopkeepers, are extorting money from these small vendors and restricting them from their earnings while they only earn the essentials during Diwali festivals.
Noting that the allegations prima facie indicate human rights violations, the NHRC has directed all states and union territories to investigate the matter.
The apex human rights body, in its notice issued under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, said, “District Magistrates and municipal authorities should desist from such practices of harassing local pottery vendors, hawkers, potters, gardeners, confectioners, vegetable vendors, rangoli color vendors and others, as such actions are against the spirit of the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative of the Government of India. Is.”
NHRC has further directed that these vendors should be provided suitable alternative locations if they need to relocate due to actual fire or emergency access requirements.
“It is also directed that suitable substitute places will also be equipped with all safety measures. No challan/fine/seizure of goods/any coercive action will be taken by the local administration against the above poor vendors/vendors during the Diwali festival season.”
The NHRC clarified that its directions will be applicable only during the festival season and will not be misused as blanket relaxation for the rest of the year. It has sought action taken reports (ATR) from all states and union territories within two weeks.
–IANS
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