Cooking up policy for street food vending

The need for a policy to safeguard the interests of street food vendors was expressed at a workshop held for women street food vendors by Sannihita, an NGO, along with the Institution of Cultural Geography at the Indian Medical Association Hall on Tuesday.

More than 25 women street food vendors shared the challenges they face. Through a series of such workshops, various NGOs seek to come up with solutions for general problems being faced by street food vendors. A draft of their proposals would be presented to the government as an aid to policy making.

Despite the fact that street food vending meets the needs of a considerable section of society and provides employment to thousands of families, as yet there is no policy that can give legal or infrastructural support for those who are involved. There is immediate need for the services of street food vendors to be acknowledged and they should be given clear, transparent and fair orientation concerning their rights and responsibilities.

Street food contributes to urban food security to various sections, including students, office goers, bachelors and particularly weaker section of society. According to a survey conducted in 2009, it generates regular income for more than 15,000 families who do not fit in the formal economy. The number has gone up considerably over the years.

It is one of the major elements of highly decentralised urban food distribution system. Street food holds great potential to foster sustainable development in mega cities. Unlike in Chennai and Bangalore, no data collection the regarding number of street food vendors, their caste, class, family background was done for Hyderabad. So, the question of policy advocacy never came up.

There is a draft policy on street vendors, though not specifically for food vendors. A rough policy regarding street food vending has been under process for many years. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has implemented the policy, but it lacks appeal to be utilised universally.

There is no legal security like licences or a single grievance cell where vendors can voice their opinions. Street vendors do not know where to go when they get caught in problems like eviction by government authorities. Also, the government does not provide any infrastructural support or spaces in master plans for them.

Regular discussions should be held for potential policy making to contribute towards settling disputes and integrating the street vending sector in urban planning activities. Initiatives like regular food festivals that have potential to highlight street food as part of the city’s cultural heritage can be helpful. Doubts regarding hygiene and health standards regarding street food are always raised, but food safety trainings can improve standards.