The Street Vendors Association Nagaland was formally inaugurated at Hotel Saramati Conference Hall in Dimapur on April 15, bringing together over 100 street vendors from various commercial sectors.
The association aims to strengthen the voice of street vendors and facilitate access to government welfare schemes, licensing systems, and designated vending zones under municipal regulation.
Speaking at the event, Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) Councillor Tianungla highlighted the importance of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2019, stating that it is designed to safeguard vendors’ rights while ensuring orderly urban vending practices.
Representing the Business Association of Nagas (BAN), Lanu Akumtoshi Jamir spoke on issues faced by street vendors, including extortion and access to formal financial support systems. He urged vendors to make use of government schemes such as the PM SVANidhi scheme and Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Scheme.
The association also informed members about registration procedures, municipal permits, and the need for surveys to identify designated vending zones in Dimapur.
Speakers at the event expressed support for collaboration between municipal authorities, business bodies, and the newly formed association to improve working conditions for street vendors in the city.