The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed all States and Union Territories to ensure the protection of the livelihoods and human rights of local vendors, street vendors, hawkers, potters and small traders in view of the upcoming Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities.
This year, upon observing that the intervention of the Commission was again required to ensure the protection of the livelihoods and human rights of local vendors during the festive season, the Commission issued fresh directions to all States and Union Territories. NHRC has directed that during Navratri, Diwali and Chhath Puja, local vendors should not be unnecessarily evicted or deprived of their livelihoods. Where vacating a location is necessary on account of fire safety or public safety, suitable alternative vending spaces should be provided. The Commission has directed the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories to ensure wide circulation of these directions among District Magistrates, municipal authorities, police and other concerned officials, and to ensure their effective implementation.
