Madurai Vegetable Sellers Stage Protest Over Delayed Shop Allocation
Frustrated vegetable vendors from Subramaniyapuram organized a significant demonstration on Friday outside the Madurai corporation office. The protest was coordinated under the banner of the R S Naidu Park Daily Market Vegetable Vendors Welfare Association.
The vendors are demanding a crucial no-objection certificate for the e-tender they have already participated in. This document is essential for the allocation of newly constructed shops at their market, where they have been waiting to resume business for two years.
Two Years of Uncertainty and Roadside Selling
Association chairman P Dhavamani expressed the collective frustration of the vendors. "It has been two years since we were asked to vacate our shops for the construction of new shops to sell vegetables," he stated. Despite following all necessary procedures, the vendors remain unable to access the new facilities.
Dhavamani highlighted the urgency of their situation, warning that "If they don't give us NOC soon, and our tender expires, then anyone will be able to file a tender and take over the shops that were promised to us." This fear of losing their rightful shops to outsiders has intensified their protest.
Daily Struggles and Financial Losses
Vendor Ajay Kumar revealed that although shop construction was completed six months ago, they continue to be forced to sell their products on roadside locations. "We were asked to submit a fresh e-tender for allocation of shops, which we did, but we are still waiting for the NOC," he explained.
The situation has taken a severe financial toll on the vendors. Pandiamma Sundaram, another vendor, described how "So many vegetables go bad because we cannot store them properly." The lack of proper storage facilities and shop space has significantly impacted their profits and product quality.
The roadside selling conditions present serious challenges, especially during rainfall. "We have been forced to sell on the road, and when it rains, we get splashed on by mud, and people hardly come to buy anything," Sundaram shared. She also pointed out serious safety concerns, mentioning one vendor who broke her hand after slipping on the muddy road where they are compelled to operate.
Corporation Response and Temporary Resolution
Following the organized protest, officials from the Madurai corporation met with representatives from the vendors' association. The officials provided assurance that they would examine the matter thoroughly and take appropriate steps to address the vendors' legitimate concerns.
This commitment from corporation authorities led to the protestors dispersing from the corporation office premises. However, the vendors continue to await concrete action and the much-needed no-objection certificate that will enable them to move into their promised shops and resume normal business operations after their two-year wait.
