The Town Vending Committee (TVC) in Chandigarh is set to allocate vacated street vending sites to registered Non-Essential Service Providers (Non-ESP) vendors through an open draw of lots. The proposal will be discussed during the committee's 36th meeting scheduled for Monday.
Over 1,600 Vacant Sites
According to official records, more than 1,600 earmarked vending sites across various sectors and colonies in the city are currently lying vacant. The Municipal Corporation (MC) has decided that priority in allocation will be given to vendors who are regular in paying their fees. Except for Essential Service Providers (ESP) and mobile vendors, all other vendors fall under the Non-ESP category.
Addressing Deliberate Defaulters
During scrutiny of payment records, the MC identified a recurring pattern among some vendors during site allocation. As per the agenda note, whenever a public notice is issued announcing a fee payment deadline for participation in the draw of lots, certain vendors deliberately default. By remaining in arrears, they ensure exclusion from the draw and avoid relocation to designated vending zones.
Such vendors aim to continue operating from their current surveyed sites. After the draw, they often pressure the MC and its enforcement wing to allow unauthorised operations at those locations. To address this issue, the MC has proposed restricting eligibility for the draw to active vendors whose outstanding dues do not exceed six months. Approval will also be sought to conduct the draw for allocation of the vacant sites.
Stabilising Vending Zones
Completing this allocation is critical to stabilising vending zones. Once a formal site is allotted, it reduces the risk of vendors seeking legal relief to continue unauthorised operations at their original surveyed sites, the agenda states.
The panel will also consider including Non-Essential Street Provision (NESP) vendors who are under a structured repayment plan. Vendors must be actively clearing dues as per timelines set by the competent authority, and their names will be included in the draw sequentially as major arrears are cleared, the agenda adds.
