Hawkers Storm Civic Office Over “Unjust” Crackdown
- Vendors allege harassment, threaten indefinite hunger strike
Pimpri : Street vendors staged a protest outside the D Ward office of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation in Rahatani-Kalewadi, alleging arbitrary actions by civic officials. The protesters claimed they were being threatened with eviction within three days and forced removal of their stalls and handcarts without due process.
The agitation, led by the National Hawker Federation and Maharashtra Ferivala Kranti Mahasangh, saw participation from several leaders and a large number of vendors. Labour leader Kashinath Nakhate and committee members, along with other representatives, raised concerns over selective action and alleged harassment.
Protesters alleged that the civic body has failed to implement the Street Vendors Act effectively, instead targeting poor and needy vendors while allowing irregular weekly markets to function unchecked. They also alleged verbal abuse and disrespectful treatment during enforcement drives, along with deliberate delays in issuing vendor certificates.
The demonstrators warned of an indefinite hunger strike if the official’s actions continue. Following the protest, a delegation met D Ward in-charge officer Pooja Dudhanale and submitted a memorandum. Officials assured that a meeting with the municipal commissioner would be convened soon to address the issues and consider solutions, including allocation of designated vending zones.
The protest concluded with slogans demanding unity among vendors and condemning what they termed as unjust civic action.
