Street vendors directed to give prominence to hygiene

MYSURU: Street vendors were on Tuesday directed to familiarize themselves with Street Vendors' Act (2014) in order to ensure job security.

Speaking during Street Vendors' Day celebrations at Vidyashankara Nilaya here on Tuesday, additional regional commissioner B K Ravi said that street vendors must know the provisions of the Act as it would protect their interests. "Empowerment of street vendors can be achieved only if they are aware of rights and facilities provided to them. Unless you are aware of your rights, you can't protect yourself from harassment like forcible eviction," Ravi added.

"The act, if implemented effectively, will ensure job security to vendors as they can know where they can run their business," said Ravi. In the heritage city, where tourist inflow is high, around 6,000 people depend on roadside business for their livelihood. Following the ordinance of Street Vendors Act, MCC will form Town Vending Zone after conducting a survey of street vendors in the city. It will decide on the number of vendors in each area.

Food officer M S Lokesh called upon street vendors to ensure hygiene. "Grooming of self is necessary and so is wearing aprons. They must keep soap to wash hands. Maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings will attract more customers, especially tourists," he said.

Vendors were also asked to build a good rapport with their customers. College students often relish street food like pani puri. In this regard, vendors were asked to be conscious about hygiene.

Brochures containing information of Street Vendors Act (2014) and Food Safety and Standard Act (2006) were distributed among the participants.