Street vending in urban India: The struggle for recognition

Abstract:
This book chapter analyses the role of street trading in urban economy and examines how street traders are demanding recognition for their positive role. It does not focus on a specific organization, but builds upon the author‟s experiences from SEWA and National Alliance of Street Vendors of India. The paper discusses India‟s national policy on street vendors, and the organising strategies of vendors. Most of the street vendors‟ associations are said to be local, organizing in specific areas of the cities by aiming to defend the vendors from evictions. However, larger organisations that are linked to the trade union movement – such as the two abovementioned – do also exist. The unions have organized protest meetings and demonstrations as well as taken court action to defend the vendors. There is no official platform for the street vendors to address the government.