DNA brings to its readers expert’s take where experts from a variety of fields take questions and give ready answers to issues close to citizen’s heart. Our experts will take your questions and offer their expertise. Today we bring to you our expert’s take on hawkers’ issues — a problem Mumbai has been battling for decades.
Have the hawking pitches been decided?
The hawking pitches have almost been decided in seven zones of total eight zones. The pitches have been decided based on the objections and suggestions received from common citizens, housing societies, traffic police and other stake holders.
The civic administration as well as town vending committee (TVC) members visited the proposed hawking zones to check feasibility and need. Seven zoneshave already sent list of their pitches to main TVC to take a final call. Now, after final approval, the local ward office will earmark these pitches and allow hawking at the designated place only.
Is domicile certificate mandatory to get hawking license in Mumbai? Also, why has it been made mandatory?
Yes, the domicile certificate is mandatory to get hawking license in Mumbai. Maharashtra government has its own Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act wherein, holding domicile certificate is mandatory for hawkers seeking license.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) which will give the license, has given additional time to hawkers to get attested domicile certificate while applying for the license. The reason behind making domicile mandatory is to ensure that original hawkers get license.
How can one complain if he or she comes across illegal hawking in the city?
Illegal hawking complaint can be made in writing alongwith a photo and full address of the location to respective ward officer of BMC. Complainants can reach to BMC on their helpline number that is 1916. Since social media is widely used by common citizens and agencies, complaints can be filed at their twitter handle as well. The civic body also receives complaint at itswebsite.
In addition, areas which fall under the railway jurisdiction like foot-over-bridge to cross one railway platform to another is taken care by the railways. Complaint of illegal hawking in such places should be filed with the railways. However, as per the High Court’s order, area upto 150 metres from the railway station is declared as no hawking zone. The BMC is responsibe for tackling complains regarding illegal hawking.
(The author is a member of town vending committee (TVC), zone two. You can also reach out to DNA on editor@dnaindia.net or call 7400211111)
