Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Workers in the Urban Informal Sector (A Case Study of Street Vendors in Chandigarh, India): Impediments and Alternatives

Sustainability is essentially the relationship between the environment and society which involve physical aspects as well as ethical attitudes. A mass level rural to urban influx in developing countries due to push factors has forced the mushrooming of slums which usually lack basic amenities and indulgence of masses in low paying, exploitative and unhealthy jobs. The present study focuses on the hindrances in the inclusion of this very informal sector into the urban sphere. Two occupational groups have been selected for the present investigation a) Fruit and vegetable vendors, as they have the longest working hours and deal with perishable goods b) ‘Chai walas’ who are considered the cornerstone of historical and cultural heritage of India. Chandigarh being the first planned city of post-colonial India has been selected for the present study. Economic feasibility, living and working conditions of the target group, their awareness regarding rights and the social status of street vendors has been gauged using detailed interview schedule, personal observations and mobilizing secondary sources. The findings have been analyzed using the prism of available legal framework in India, safeguarding street vendors with special reference to the implementation of Street Vendors Act, 2014. Various facets of human rights infringement of the target group have been discussed and practical solutions for their inclusion have been put forward.