The State unit of the National Hawkers’ Federation (NHF) submitted a memorandum to Governor SC Jamir appealing him to protect the livelihood of the street vendors and hawkers and provide them social security here on Wednesday.
The demands of the NHF included introduction and passage of the Street Vendors (Protection of livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill, 2013 in the ongoing Session of the Parliament, constitution of a Central Task Force for implementation of the law, extension of ESI and housing facilities to the street vendors and hawkers across the country and provision of pension on attainment of 60 years of age, among others.
“As the street vendors and hawkers are the service providers to the largest section of the State population, the protection of their livelihood is of prime importance for any Government. However, Odisha has failed to follow the Constitutional obligations in protecting their livelihood,” said NHF State unit president Jayant Das.
He continued that the State Government had promulgated a gazette notification contrary to the national policy and the bill. He urged President Pranab Mukherjee to ensure early passage of the bill in the Parliament.