2,674 vendors in city lose licence over dues

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 2 

Over three years after they were registered following a survey, licences of 2,674 vendors have been cancelled.

In 2016, a total of 9,356 vendors were registered by the Municipal Corporation for vending in different areas allotted to them in the city. However, about 2,700 vendors did not pay their monthly fee to the MC for a period between six months and two years. Among them were essential, moving and street vendors. They were to pay a monthly fee ranging between Rs 300 and Rs 2,000.

After given several reminders and opportunities, they were given November 30 as the last date for submitting the dues. They were warned that failing to deposit the dues would cost them their licences. “Only 526 of the total 3,200 defaulters paid their dues. Their licences stand cancelled now,” said a senior MC official.

All vendors have already been given a one-month notice to shift to their allotted sites. The notice expires on December 5. From December 6, the MC, with the help of the police, will start evicting the vendors found not at their allotted sites.

Meanwhile, members of the Residents’ Welfare Association, Sector 15, and DAV Model School, Sector 15, met MC officials over relocation of vendors in their area. They told the officials that since the girls school hostel was situated adjoining the vendors’ site, it would not be appropriate to allot space to them. They also raised the issue of unavailability of parking space at the site. They submitted a representation highlighting the issues.

“Vendors are already rehabilitated in our sector in the form of second hand book booths and other general booths. Why are they burdening the sector further? It will cause chaos as roads will be used for parking vehicles,” said one of the RWA members.

About 850 sites have been earmarked for vendors in Sector 15. An MC official said the final decision on the issue would be decided during the forthcoming meeting of the Town and Vending Committee.