A Contemporary Study Identifying Problems Faced by Street Vendors around Palani
Author : R Dinesh and Dr. S Maruthavijayan
Abstract :
Street vending constitutes a vital part of India’s informal economy, offering affordable goods and services while generating employment for millions of urban poor. Despite their socio-economic importance, street vendors remain among the most marginalized sections of society, often operating in insecure and unregulated environments. This study, conducted around the temple town of Palani, explores the multifaceted challenges faced by street vendors in maintaining their livelihoods. Using a structured questionnaire administered to fifty vendors across diverse categories—such as food sellers, fruit vendors, and garment traders—the research identifies recurring issues including eviction threats, harassment by municipal officials and police, lack of designated vending zones, poor sanitation facilities, and inadequate access to formal credit or welfare schemes. The analysis also reveals that most vendors are unaware of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, which was designed to safeguard their rights. Furthermore, the absence of institutional support and health protection mechanisms aggravates their socio-economic vulnerability. By examining these dimensions through both quantitative and qualitative data, the study provides insights into the gap between policy and practice, emphasizing the need for stronger implementation of existing legal frameworks, community-level awareness programs, and inclusive urban planning. Ultimately, this research aims to contribute to the discourse on informal labor protection and advocate for sustainable, dignified livelihoods for street vendors in smaller urban centers like Palani.
Keywords :
Street vendors, harassment, infrastructure, legal awareness, income stability, health issues.
