Forces of globalisation which necessitated economic reform in India in the 1990s opened a floodgate of opportunities for the few and at the same time made working life more precarious for the many. Under fierce competition from multinational corporations, many domestic industries were forced to shut down, resulting in massive layoffs of the labour force. At the same time, the new opportunities created in cities and the simultaneous erosion of the rural livelihood base pushed people out of villages, leading to an accelerated rate of urbanization. For want of any other alternative, many of the laid-off workers and rural migrants ended up joining informal economy as street vendors. While street vendors have always been there providing goods and services to millions at an affordable rate on their doorsteps, growing informalization and unabated urbanization suddenly increased their numbers in Indian cities. Despite the fact that these workers contribute significantly to the urban economy, they have faced and often continue to experience humiliation, continual harassment, confiscations and sudden evictions. It became imperative to advocate for their rights through formulation of appropriate policies, enactment of relevant laws, and provision of adequate social protection benefits.
Download the full study here (PDF):
http://library.fes.de/pdf-files/iez/13641.pdf
Towards a Better Deal for Street Vendors in India: The Case of NASVI, by Arbind Singh and Sachin Kumar
On the same study see also the article “Street Vendors in India: From Invisibility to Centre Stage” by Ulrike Putz
http://www.europe-solidaire.org/ecrire/?exec=article&id_article=44849
Arbind Singh and Sachin Kumar
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