Street vendors seek support in Karnataka Budget

The Bengaluru Jilla Beedhi Vyapari Sanghatanegala Okkuta, a registered federation of street vendors, has sought support from the State Government in its latest Budget.

The body's demands include group housing, basic facilities at markets and the continuation and expansion of the Badavara Bandhu scheme. The union also wants e-commerce companies to be regulated to secure street vendors' jobs.

A press release from the group said that street vendors are an integral part of the city and offer various services to the people. "We are reeling under poverty," the group said.

Saying that all vendors live in slums or rented houses, the body has asked to provide "group housing like it's being done for other workers ."

They've also asked the State Government to allocate funds to Urban Local Bodies to set up basic facilities like free toilets, drinking water, godowns and crèches in the markets.

The group has asked the State Government to divert funds from "wasteful projects" like elevated corridors to build public hospitals, schools and colleges.

"The high fees we pay at private schools and hospitals keep us in poverty," the group said.