HRS Requests Revamping of Street Vendor Licensing System for Empowerment and Economic Growth of Islanders

Tarun Karthick

Sri Vijaya Puram, 06 January 2025

Mr. Rakeshwar Lall, the State President of Hindu Rashtra Shakti, has submitted a letter to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, requesting significant changes to the current street vendor license system. The proposed modifications are proposed to prioritise the livelihoods of islanders, stimulate local economic growth, and preserve the unique cultural heritage of the region.

In his letter, Lall outlines four key modifications to the existing system. First, he advocates for reserving street vendor licenses exclusively for island residents. To ensure that only locals benefit from this initiative, the proposal suggests requiring official documents such as a Ration Card, Islander Card, or Local Certificate. This, Lall argues, will guarantee that the economic benefits of the street vendor sector stay within the local community.

Second, the proposal calls for the creation of a user-friendly online platform where island vendors can easily apply for, track, and renew their licenses. This digital approach is aimed at streamlining the process, making it more efficient and accessible to all islanders.

The third proposed change involves the creation of a publicly accessible database or portal to view and verify licensed vendors. Lall stresses that this move will improve transparency and accountability within the system, ensuring that both vendors and the public can easily confirm the legitimacy of street vendors in the region.

Lastly, the proposal includes the requirement of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the concerned ward councillor before issuing a street vendor license. This step is meant to involve local communities in the decision-making process, ensuring that vendors have the support of the residents in their designated areas.

Lall emphasized that these changes would not only promote economic growth and self-sufficiency but also preserve the region’s cultural identity by ensuring that the street vending sector is controlled by locals rather than external labour. He believes these modifications will lead to improved monitoring, enforcement, and a simpler application and renewal process, further boosting the local economy and ensuring cultural preservation.

The letter concludes with a call for the Lieutenant Governor to consider the proposed changes, urging the implementation of a more inclusive and sustainable street vendor license system that would serve the public interest. The letter has been forwarded to several key officials, including the Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary of A&N Administration, Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, and local media outlets.