Hawker and Street Vendor Rights in Asansol

Street vending in Asansol is regulated by the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act 2014. The Act protects registered hawkers from arbitrary eviction and requires a town vending committee to survey, identify vending zones and issue certificates of vending. Unregistered hawkers have far weaker protection.

Key facts at a glance

Step-by-step procedure

1. Step 1: Confirm whether the vending spot falls in a permitted vending zone, a restricted zone or a no-vending zone.
2. Step 2: Apply to the town vending committee for enrolment in the survey or for a certificate of vending.
3. Step 3: Produce identity proof and evidence of vending at the spot for the survey record.
4. Step 4: Attend the committee meeting or hearing if the application is listed for consideration.
5. Step 5: On approval, collect the certificate of vending and display it at the stall.
6. Step 6: If evicted without notice, seek restoration through the committee and, if necessary, the civil court.

Documents you need

• Identity proof and address proof
• Proof of vending at the location such as photographs or older receipts
• Application in the prescribed form to the town vending committee
• Any municipal or market association membership proof
• Disability or special category certificate where claimed
• Payment receipt for the certificate fee

Common mistakes to avoid

• Vending in a no-vending zone near hospital gates, school entrances or traffic junctions and losing the certificate.
• Not participating in the survey and then claiming protection without a record.
• Paying money to intermediaries instead of applying to the committee.
• Obstructing the footpath beyond the allotted space and inviting removal.

Where to go in Asansol

Hawking is concentrated around Asansol station, GB More, Railpar, Hutton Road and the municipal markets. The town vending committee decides zone-wise capacity and relocation during road widening.

Frequently asked questions

Do street vendors in Asansol need a licence?

Yes. A certificate of vending issued by the town vending committee is the legal authority to vend. The 2014 Act protects only registered vendors from arbitrary eviction and relocation.

Can Asansol Municipal Corporation evict a hawker without notice?

No. The Act requires notice, a hearing and compliance with the relocation plan before eviction of a registered vendor. Eviction without following the process can be challenged before the committee and the civil court.

How is a vending zone decided in Asansol?

The town vending committee, which includes municipal officials and hawker representatives, conducts a survey and prepares the vending plan identifying vending zones, restricted zones and no-vending zones.

What can a hawker do if the certificate of vending is refused in Asansol?

File an appeal before the appellate authority prescribed under the municipal rules within the specified period, and if that fails, challenge the order by writ petition before the Calcutta High Court.