MCD Sets July Target for Town Vending Committee Elections in Delhi
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is actively working towards conducting elections for town vending committees (TVCs) by July this year. This initiative represents a crucial step in the city's efforts to establish organized and designated vending zones, bringing structure to street vending activities across the capital.
Progress on Vendor Certification and Survey Completion
Officials from the civic body have confirmed that the re-survey of pending street vendors within MCD's jurisdiction has been successfully completed. The corporation is now in the process of issuing certificates of vending (CoV) to eligible vendors. This documentation is essential for vendors to gain legal recognition and participate in the upcoming electoral process.
In the initial phase of this program, which concluded on December 31, 2021, a total of 62,333 certificates were distributed to street vendors. However, recognizing that not all vendors were included in this first round, the Delhi government directed MCD to conduct a comprehensive re-survey. This second phase has identified approximately 22,000 additional vendors who were previously unaccounted for, significantly expanding the scope of the initiative.
Structure and Function of Town Vending Committees
An MCD official elaborated on the timeline and objectives, stating, "We expect to conduct the elections within four months. The town vending committees will have multiple responsibilities, including identifying appropriate vending zones, regulating street vendors, assigning legal vending spaces, and balancing the rights of vendors with pedestrian movement and public safety."
According to the municipal corporation's plan, around 27 committees will be established across Delhi. Each committee will consist of 12 vendor representatives, with the remaining members comprising experts, representatives of resident welfare associations (RWAs), market associations, and various voluntary organizations. This diverse composition aims to ensure that all stakeholders have a voice in the decision-making process.
Election Eligibility and Committee Formation Criteria
Only vendors holding valid certificates of vending will be eligible to vote in the upcoming elections. MCD will prepare detailed voter lists based on this criterion. The civic body administers 250 wards distributed across 12 zones, and as per established norms, at least one town vending committee is to be formed for every eight wards within each zone.
The committees will be granted significant authority to manage street vending effectively. Their powers will include relocating vendors from areas prone to congestion, creating clearly designated vending and no-vending zones, and addressing issues related to traffic disruption caused by unauthorized vending activities.
Challenges and Concerns in the Implementation Process
Despite the progress, sources have highlighted certain gaps in the survey process. Arbind Singh of the National Association of Street Vendors of India pointed out specific instances where TVC members did not participate in the survey for various reasons. "In areas like Pitampura, TVC members were demanding honorarium for participating in meetings and survey processes. When their demand did not materialize, they chose not to participate," Singh explained. He further noted that in some locations, vendors remain unaware of the entire process, indicating a need for better communication and outreach.
The formation of these committees is seen as a vital move towards formalizing street vending in Delhi, providing vendors with legal protection and designated spaces while ensuring public spaces remain accessible and safe for all citizens. The July target for elections marks a significant milestone in this ongoing urban management effort.
