Pune Hawkers Rally Against PMC's Blacklisting Threat Over Unpaid Fees
In Pune, a significant confrontation has emerged between municipal authorities and the city's street vendors following the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) announcement to blacklist hawkers who have defaulted on their licensing fees. The vendors, represented by advocacy groups, have strongly opposed this punitive measure, calling for urgent intervention through the Town Vending Committee (TVC) before any enforcement actions proceed.
Vendors Demand Platform for Grievance Redressal
Sanjay Shanke of Janeev, an organization dedicated to hawkers' welfare, emphasized the lack of communication channels available to vendors. "The administration is not providing a platform for us to raise our concerns. Options like the TVC can only be effective if meetings are held on a regular basis," he stated. According to PMC records, Pune has approximately 21,000 registered hawkers, with around 7,000 currently facing potential blacklisting due to outstanding payments.
Controversy Over Fee Recovery Notice
The core of the dispute centers on a recent public notice issued by PMC regarding the recovery of daily fees from vendors. TVC members have alleged that this notice was published in local newspapers without obtaining their formal approval, bypassing established consultation processes. In response, they have demanded:
- An immediate stay on the fee recovery process
- A sympathetic reconsideration of the current fee structures, which many vendors find financially burdensome
- A simplified installment plan for pending arrears
- Adjustment of previously collected penalties against future dues upon verification of payment receipts
Citizen Complaints About Footpath Encroachment
While vendors seek relief, residents have voiced their own frustrations regarding hawker encroachment on public footpaths. Manasi Kulkarni, a resident of Paud Road, highlighted the pedestrian challenges: "The hawkers occupy the footpaths. Walking on them becomes a major issue for pedestrians. The administration must act against such hawkers." PMC officials confirmed that regular removal drives are conducted in high-traffic areas including Fergusson Road, JM Road, Satara Road, and Sinhagad Road, targeting unauthorized vendors.
PMC Defends Fee Structure and Enforcement Actions
PMC officials defended their stance, noting that the license fee structure was finalized in 2019 and is based on area classifications and business prospects. The fee categories include:
- A++ areas: Rs 200 per day
- A1 areas: Rs 100 per day
- A areas: Rs 50 per day
- B areas: Rs 25 per day
- C areas: Rs 20 per day
- Group E workers: Rs 5 per day
A senior PMC official explained, "It [license] helps traders to receive the benefits of the PMC's hawkers' policy. They are also eligible for the welfare schemes introduced by state as well as the Union government. All the due process was followed before issuing the notices." The civic administration estimates that approximately Rs 40 crore in dues are pending from vendors across the city.
The standoff underscores the tension between municipal regulation, vendor livelihoods, and urban mobility, with both sides awaiting a resolution through formal TVC proceedings.
