Manage Street Vending

The informal sector in Nepal occupies a major portion of the national economy. As per an analytical report published by the Central Bureau of Statistics in 2018, of 932,027 business establishments, 49.9 per cent were not registered. It means that they were counted as informal enterprises. Among the different sections of the informal sector, street vending is the most common globally.  

In Nepal, street vending is a subject of major debate among the different sections of the society. The authorities are not in support of street vending practice, calling it a total nuisance and that it should be prevented at all cost. This is evident in the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), which has really been proactive in its action against street vendors. The metropolis considers street vending as an illegal and a headache for pedestrians. It believes its responsibility lies in easing the movement of pedestrians on roads and streets. And the KMC authorities are found mobilising the City police personnel to regularly patrol the streets. 

The City police has been confiscating goods, cycles, carts, among others, belonging to street vendors. According to reports, in the month of Baisakh itself, the metropolis confiscated as many as 228 kinds of goods, including 83 pushcarts and 72 cycles. By paying a certain amount of fine, street vendors are allowed to take back perishable goods like fruits and vegetables. But non-perishable goods are not returned to the vendors. The metropolis has auctioned such goods multiple times over the years. The seized cycles and carts are left at the scrappers without any intention of returning to the street vendors. 

While the metropolis demonstrates hostility to prevent street vendors from doing their business in the street, this action has not controlled street vending. A lack of alternatives and employment opportunities has forced them to continue being in a cat and mouse relationship with the authorities. So whenever these matters come up, street vendors highlight their right to make a living and their right to the public space. They have been demanding that the authorities provide them with alternatives so that they could continue their business without any difficulty. 

From a social perspective, street vending is linked with creating vibrancy and keeping the city alive. Also, it is an easier way for the consumers to get their hands on cheaper goods and services, that too at their doorsteps. Therefore, as the urban areas within the metropolis get clearer, consumers miss the presence of street vendors and the goods that they provide. It is necessary to understand that hostility from the side of the metropolis cannot and will not prevent street vending practices from happening. It is imperative that the street vendors and the authorities come together, negotiate, collaborate and coordinate with each other towards reaching two goals. 

One goal is to ensure urban beauty and the right of pedestrians. Another goal is to make sure that street vendors are able to earn a proper livelihood. The authorities must come up with proper by-laws and policies to manage the street vendors. International practices concerning street vending should also be taken into account while formulating effective policies and implementing them. Handling the matter in a balanced manner should be the priority of the authorities and the street vendors. Let vibrancy from street vending remain as the pedestrians move around freely without any disruption. The authorities must aim at killing two birds with one stone by creating a win-win situation for the street vendors and the pedestrians.