Punjab Government Takes Action Against Illegal Street Vendors
The Punjab Government has issued strict directives to the Municipal Corporation of Amritsar (MCA) for the immediate removal of illegal street vendors operating in sensitive zones across the holy city. This decisive action targets vendors occupying spaces near religious sites, hospital areas, school premises, and high-traffic public roads.
High Court Intervention and Government Response
The state government's action came to light during a hearing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court on November 20, where authorities presented their compliance plan. The hearing addressed a contempt petition filed by the Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM), which had alleged non-implementation of previous court orders concerning the establishment of designated vending zones in the city.
Justice Vikram Aggarwal disposed of the contempt petition after the state counsel submitted a detailed speaking order dated November 18, 2025, issued by the additional chief secretary of the Department of Local Government, Punjab. During the proceedings, the counsel representing the Municipal Corporation provided assurances that the government's directives would be implemented "in letter and spirit."
Comprehensive Six-Month Implementation Plan
The government order outlines a systematic six-month strategy to regulate street vending in Amritsar in accordance with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. The immediate priority involves clearing unauthorized vendors from critical areas where their presence causes congestion and safety concerns.
This initiative is expected to significantly decongest approaches to the Golden Temple and major healthcare institutions throughout Amritsar. The order explicitly states that "illegal street vendors shall be evicted forthwith from sensitive areas such as religious precincts, hospital zones, school premises, and high-traffic public roads."
For long-term resolution, the administration has been directed to:
- Constitute a new Town Vending Committee immediately as per Section 22 of the Street Vendors Act, 2014
- Conduct a fresh survey of all street vendors in Amritsar City under Section 3 of the Act
- Identify and prepare a detailed report on available sites for establishing proper Street Vending Zones
- Consider land under the possession of the Amritsar Improvement Trust for developing vending zones
- Execute revenue-sharing agreements if land from other departments is utilized
The additional chief secretary's order mandates that the entire exercise must be completed within six months, with a comprehensive compliance report to be submitted thereafter. This balanced approach aims to address both urban management concerns and the livelihood protection of legitimate street vendors.
