Maharashtra unveils new hawker policy, Nagpur TVC meeting adjourned for suggestions
Nagpur's Town Vending Committee put off a decision on the state's new street vendor policy after a union leader sought time to study it.
A meeting of the Town Vending Committee, or TVC, was held at the municipal corporation headquarters in Nagpur on Thursday, where the state government's new street vendors policy was presented. Abdul Razzak Qureshi, a TVC member and general secretary of the hawkers' union, asked for time to study the policy and offer suggestions on it, following which the meeting was adjourned.
According to the administration, objections and suggestions on the new street vendors policy have been invited until September 30. After that, the policy will be sent to the state government for approval. It will apply uniformly across Maharashtra.
The state's urban development department has drafted the 'Maharashtra Path Vikreta Yojana, 2026' to protect hawkers' livelihoods and regulate their trade. The proposed policy aims to give hawkers across the state legal protection, create a favourable environment for their business, and set up organised vending zones in cities.
Under the new draft, no hawker will be removed until a detailed survey of all hawkers is completed and eligible vendors are issued sale certificates. A large-scale digital survey will begin within 6 months under the TVC's supervision and must be completed within 3 months. A mobile app, OTP and biometric system will be used to prevent duplication of data. Geo-tagging will be done for fixed stalls and geo-fencing for mobile vendors. After the first survey, a fresh survey will be conducted every 5 years.
Markets in Nagpur district where hawkers have been trading for more than 50 years will be declared 'traditional markets', or heritage markets, and vendors will not be removed from them. Hawking will be completely banned within 100 metres of the gates of the mantralaya, vidhan bhavan, high court, collectorate, police commissionerate and general hospitals, within 150 metres of railway stations, and within 100 metres of railway crossings and bus stands.
If a hawker's certificate is cancelled, they will be given 30 days' notice to vacate the spot. A fine of up to 250 rupees per day can be imposed for failing to vacate on time. For minor rule violations, a fine of up to 2000 rupees will be imposed instead of cancelling the certificate.
If someone is caught selling without permission, claims for seized perishable goods must be made the same day, and for other goods within 3 days. Once a claim is made, perishable goods will be returned within 24 hours and other goods within 2 working days, after payment of the fine. To implement the scheme transparently, a 'social audit' will also be conducted every 2 years through non-governmental organisations, or NGOs.
