kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, June 11: The livelihoods and rights of street vendors, the West Bengal INTUC Sebadal and the Central Kolkata Mahila Congress organized a protest march in central Kolkata on Thursday. The demonstration was held under the slogan “No Eviction of Hawkers Without Rehabilitation,” highlighting growing concerns among hawkers regarding possible eviction drives and the absence of a clear rehabilitation policy.

The protest march commenced in front of Lady Dufferin College and proceeded towards the Bowbazar crossing, drawing participation from a large number of party workers, supporters, and representatives of various affiliated organizations. Demonstrators carried placards and raised slogans urging the state administration to safeguard the interests of thousands of street vendors whose livelihoods depend on conducting business in public spaces across the city.

The organizers, while efforts have reportedly been initiated to remove hawkers from several parts of Kolkata, no comprehensive or transparent rehabilitation plan has yet been announced for those who may be affected. They argued that any eviction carried out without ensuring an alternative source of livelihood or designated vending space would have severe consequences for countless families dependent on small-scale street trade for their daily income.

The protesters emphasized that rehabilitation must be guaranteed before any displacement takes place. They maintained that hawkers form an integral part of the urban economy and that their contribution to commerce, accessibility of goods, and employment generation should be recognized by policymakers. The organizers asserted that protecting the rights of street vendors is not merely an economic issue but also a matter of social justice and livelihood security.

Several leaders and office-bearers of the organizations participated in the march. Among those present were Pramod Pandey, President of the West Bengal INTUC Sebadal, and Piyali Sarkar, President of the South 24 Parganas District Mahila Congress, along with numerous party activists and supporters. Addressing participants during the programme, leaders reiterated the demand that no hawker should be removed from their place of business until proper rehabilitation arrangements are finalized and implemented.

The protest stressed that street vendors play a vital role in Kolkata’s economic ecosystem by providing affordable goods and services while supporting thousands of households. They argued that ensuring employment security for hawkers is a responsibility that falls upon the administration, particularly at a time when economic challenges continue to affect lower-income groups.

The organizers also warned that if any decision perceived as detrimental to hawkers' interests is implemented without consultation and rehabilitation, they would consider launching larger and more extensive public movements in the future. According to them, the current march was intended to convey a clear message that the concerns of street vendors cannot be ignored in the process of urban development and administrative action.

The procession caused some temporary disruption to traffic movement in parts of central Kolkata. However, police personnel remained deployed throughout the route and managed the situation effectively. Authorities ensured that vehicular movement was regulated and that public inconvenience remained minimal. The programme concluded peacefully without any reports of untoward incidents.

The demonstration reflects the continuing debate over urban planning, public space management, and the rights of informal sector workers in Kolkata, with street vendors seeking assurances that their livelihoods will not be jeopardized without adequate alternatives being provided.