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Perception of The Socio Economical Aspects of Street Vendors at Nad, Visakhapatnam
Perception of The Socio Economical Aspects of Street Vendors at Nad, Visakhapatnam
NAD,VISAKHAPATNAM
Submitted By
Visakhapatnam:
Date: (U.VINAY KUMAR)
CERTIFICATE
Visakhapatnam:
Project Guide
It is a great pleasure and opportunity for me to express my deep sense of gratitude towards all the
Banks and their customers for providing me an opportunity to carry out this work.
I am grateful to Dr. B.V.R.NAIDU, M.com, M.B.A., Ph.D., the director of Alwar School of
Business and Computers, for providing me an opportunity to carry out this work.
-
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Significance of the study
Objectives of the study
I Methodology
Frame work of the study
Limitations
II STREET VENDORS
Introduction
Hypotheses
Tools for analysis
3.17 LIC
3.17 LIC
The Informal Economy Monitoring Study (IEMS) revealed ways in which street vendors in five
cities strengthen their communities:
Most street vendors provide the main source of income for their households, bringing
food to their families and paying school fees for their children.
These informal workers have strong linkages to the formal economy. Over half the IEMS
sample said they source the goods they sell from formal enterprises. Many customers
work in formal jobs.
Many vendors try to keep the streets clean and safe for their customers and provide them
with friendly personal service.
Street vendors create jobs, not only for themselves but for porters, security guards,
transport operators, storage providers, and others.
Many generate revenue for cities through payments for licenses and permits, fees and
fines, and certain kinds of taxes. This was true of two thirds of street vendors in the IEMS
sample.
Street trade also adds vibrancy to urban life and in many places is considered a cornerstone of
historical and cultural heritage. For example, street vendors who sell chai, called "chai-wallahs,"
are an important part of India's cultural heritage. See photos and video of chai-wallahs in action
and read about how they are innovating this centuries-old practice to meet the demands of the
present .Despite their contributions, street vendors face many challenges, are often overlooked as
economic agents and unlike other businesses, are hindered rather than helped by municipal
policies and practices.
STATISTICAL SNAPSHOT
Street vendors are a large and very visible workforce in cities, yet it is difficult to accurately
estimate their numbers. Official statistics are available for some countries, though they may
underestimate the population engaged in street vending.
In many countries, especially in Africa, the majority of street vendors are women: 88 per cent in
Ghana, 68 per cent in South Africa, and 63 per cent in Kenya (ILO and WIEGO 2013). Only in a
few countries where cultural norms restrict women’s economic activities do women account for
10 per cent or less of street vendors.
Available evidence suggests a higher share of women than men sell perishable goods (Roever
2014), which are more likely than other goods to spoil or to be confiscated. Other research has
shown that women street vendors typically earn less than men—and in many countries, less than
half as much as men (Chen and Snodgrass 2001).
Low barriers to entry, limited start-up costs, and flexible hours are some of the factors that draw
street vendors to the occupation. Many people enter street vending because they cannot find a job
in the formal economy.
But surviving as a street vendor requires a certain amount of skill. Competition among vendors
for space in the streets and access to customers is strong in many cities. And vendors must be
able to negotiate effectively with wholesalers and customers.
Street trade can offer a viable livelihood, but earnings are low and risks are high for many
vendors, especially those who sell fresh fruits and vegetables (Roever 2014). Having an insecure
place of work is a significant problem for those who work in the streets. Lack of storage, theft or
damage to stock are common issues.
By-laws governing street trade can be confusing and licenses hard to get, leaving many street
vendors vulnerable to harassment, confiscations and evictions. The IEMS research found that
even vendors with a license had trouble finding a secure vending location, and those following
the regulations sometimes had their goods confiscated.
Working outside, street vendors and their goods are exposed to strong sun, heavy rains and
extreme heat or cold. Unless they work in markets, most don’t have shelter or running water and
toilets near their workplace. Inadequate access to clean water is a major concern of prepared food
vendors.
Street vendors face other routine occupational hazards. Many lift and haul heavy loads of goods
to and from their point of sale. Market vendors are exposed to physical risk due to a lack of
proper fire safety equipment, and street vendors are exposed to injury from the improper
regulation of traffic in commercial areas.
Insufficient waste removal and sanitation services result in unhygienic market conditions and
undermine vendors’ sales as well as their health, and that of their customers. Read about a
project to address occupational health and safety issues in Warwick Junction, South Africa here.
Economic downturns have a big impact on vendors’ earnings. In 2009, an Inclusive Cities
research project found many street vendors reported a drop in consumer demand and an increase
in competition as the newly unemployed turned to vending for income.
A second round of research, done in 2010, found demand had not recovered for most vendors,
and many had to raise prices due to the higher cost of goods. Competition had increased further
as large retailers aggressively tried to attract customers.
The 2012 Informal Economy Monitoring Study confirmed that rising prices and increased
competition were still affecting street vendors in several cities. Vendors said their stock was
more expensive, but they had difficulty passing on rising costs to consumers, who expect to
negotiStreet vending generates enormous controversy in cities throughout the world (Bromley
2000).
Policies &Programmes
Urban policies and local economic development strategies rarely prioritize livelihood security for
informal workers. Urban renewal projects, infrastructure upgrades and mega events routinely
displace street vendors from natural markets, leaving the most vulnerable without a workplace.
Good practice documentation shows vendors can help with urban management challenges like
crime and cleaning. Also, basic infrastructure – shelters, toilets, electricity and water – can both
improve vendor work environments and make public space safer, more comfortable and
aesthetically pleasing.
Some cities are working with street vendors’ organizations to formulate innovative policies,
programmes and practices that enable vendors to have a voice in making their cities more
inclusive.
Bangkok is possibly one of the world’s “jewels” when it comes to selling goods and services in
public spaces both day and night. Vending in Public Space: The Case of Bangkok (Yasmeen and
Nirathron 2014) examines how this situation came to be, especially given the country’s evolving
political and economic agenda.ate low prices on the streets. More competition means vendors
take home lower earnings.
Membership-based organizations help street vendors navigate their relationship with the
authorities, build solidarity and solve problems with other vendors. Several have developed
innovative ways to work with cities to keep the streets clean and safe while gaining a secure
livelihood for vendors.
Examples include:
Most street vendors provide the main source of income for their households, bringing food to
their families and paying school fees for their children.
These informal workers have strong linkages to the formal economy. Over half the IEMS
sample said they source the goods they sell from formal enterprises. Many customers work in
formal jobs.
Many vendors try to keep the streets clean and safe for their customers and provide them with
friendly personal service.
Street vendors create jobs, not only for themselves but for porters, security guards, transport
operators, storage providers, and others.
Many generate revenue for cities through payments for licenses and permits, fees and fines,
and certain kinds of taxes. This was true of two thirds of street vendors in the IEMS sample.
OBJECTIVES OF STREET VENDORS
The study has the major objective of studying the different dimensions of street vendors business and to
identify their major problems in their functioning in vizag city. Following are the specific objectives of
the research study.
2. To identify the major problems and constraints faced by the street vendors in general and financial
constraints in particular.
4. To examine the different dimensions of street vendors business and the problems faced by them in
vizag city.
5. To examine the official policy of the Government towards street vending at national and state level. 6.
To suggest suitable remedies for improving the street vendors operations in the study area
RESEARH METHODOLOGY
Methodology plays a vital role in the analysis of the study. It refers to the way adopted
from collecting the facts and information formally presented from drawing inference the
following methodology was adopted to carry out the study
ii. Street vendors in most of the cities in India have very low economic status and are
subjected to various insecurities and threats related to their activity. So it is essential to
know what are the economic challenges of the street vendors of Gajuwaka.
Forest General
customers
Vegetable vendor
Neighbours Hotels
Sources of data:
The data that is necessary for doing this project is collected through the two types of sources:
1. Primary data
2. Secondary data
PRIMARY DATA:
The study is mainly based on primary data to understand the ground realities. However secondary data
is also collected from census book, statistical books, journals, magazines, research papers etc.
Primary data is collected through interviews as well as observation. Field survey has been conducted
from 2nd October, 2013 to 28th November, 2013. The size of the sample is 120. The study dealt with all
types of vendors, including those selling cooked food, vegetables, fruits, flowers, decoratives, garments,
footwear’s, local made items, electronics goods, chicken, fish, beef, worm etc. Respondents include both
stationary as well as mobile vendors.
Data regarding the incidences of street vending in the study is collected through observation and
interviews.
i Observation. –
Observation method of data collection from the field is conducted to get information like – a. Type of
goods sold b. Type of location they prefer c. How they cope up with the municipal police when they are
restricted to put up their shops on the street, etc.
ii. Interviews-
Interview method of field data collection is conducted through structured interview schedules from the
street vendors of four identified locations of Gajuwaka. Interviews are conducted with the street
vendors for the information regarding the socio-economic characteristics of the vendors and their
working conditions.
SECONDARY DATA:
Secondary data is collected from published and unpublished documentary sources, books, journals,
newspapers etc. After the completion of the field work, the data classification is done and analysed in
SPSS Statistics 17.0. Analysis of data has been done through use of proper statistical tools such as cross-
tabulation, chi-square, correlation and t-test.
SAMPLING TECHNIQUE:
As the study was based on the primary data, a detailed questionnaire was framed and distributed
to the parent of SIS. The sample size is 53.
SAMPLING PROCEDURE:
After framing the questionnaire, the customers from the bank were contacting personally. The
required information is sough through the questionnaire .the information is tabulated for the data
analysis.
There are 30 street vendors doing business in Gajuwaka. Therefore it is decided to collected
data from all street vendors in Gajuwaka. The secondary data needed for the study have been collected
from books, magazines, articles, government, records, previous research reports, web sites and so on.
Chapter 1:It deals with the introduction of the study, objectives, methodology and limitations of
the study
Chapter 2: It deals with the profile of the Digital banking and it services
Chapter 3: The chapter gives an in –depth analysis of the data collected from the customers
through questionnaires regarding their perception and satisfaction levels on Digital banking.
Chapter 4: It deals with the major findings, related suggestions and conclusions.
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
1. The available time for conducting this survey s of limited period ,it restricts in studying
the aspects of questionnaire in detailed manner
2. This study took the opinion of limited number of customers i.e., 30 respondents.
3. The results of the study depend upon the perception of respondents at the time of survey.
CHAPTER-2
SOCIAL ASPECTS OF STREET VENDORS
INTRODUCTION
Street vendors constitute an important segment of the urban population. Moreover street
vendors are an integral component of urban economies around the world. Street vendors are
those who are unable to get regular jobs in the remunerative formal sector on account of their
low level of education and skills. National Policy for Urban Street Vendors(NPUSV, 2004)
defined “ a street vendor is one who offers goods and services for sale to the public without
having a permanent built up structure but with a temporary static structure or mobile stall or
head load”
Gajuwaka is growing as an important commercial centre of North East India during the recent
years which has led to the intrastate migration as well as influx from neighbouring states
resulting in acute unemployment in Gajuwaka. Formal jobs are gradually saturating and at the
same time the number of educated people is increasing by leaps and bounds. Therefore the
migrants and the urban poor population who is usually less educated, unskilled and survives
with meager resources are unable to get jobs in the formal sectors and had to create their own
employment to join the urban economy through entry-level professions that require little
capital and few skills. In other words, incapability of the modern formal sector to provide
employment to the rapidly expanding labour force in Gajuwaka, has led to the emergence of
informal sector activities in the city. Street vending is the best form of livelihood opportunities
in urban areas as it requires less skill and least investment. Many of the urban poor have taken
up street vending as it requires minor financial input and the skills involved are low. Street
vending is gradually becoming the most visible informal economy in Gajuwaka It is in this
context that the socio-economic characteristics of the street vendors in Gajuwaka are assessed
to know the social composition of the particular economic group and how street vending
provides livelihoods opportunities for the urban poor. Moreover the study of economic
conditions of street vendors is very essential to understand the challenges and vulnerabilities of
the street vendors.
Street Vendor:
The street vendors spend nearly 10 hours a day in their business. Most of them take up to 5 hours
every day for preparations. It includes visit to the wholesale markets for vegetable vendors,
thereby later sorting and cleaning the vegetables. During their working time vendors are
facing many problems from the public and police personnel. They are not protected from the
harmful weather conditions like heat, rain, dust and lack of storage facilities. Those people
selling non perishable household articles too have to go to the wholesale market to procure their
goods at lower prices. Taking into account both preparation time and the time for selling we find
that at an average a street vendor spends upto 15 hours every day in his or her activities in
order to earn a hundred or two hundred rupees (CUE Report, 2014).
Street vending is related with uncertainty in income (Kumar, R., & Singh, A. 2013). On one side,
because of the low socio-economic profile of street vendors customer behavior is common, and
on other side street vendors faces harassment by police officials for occupying important
traffic junctions (Karthikeyan, R., &Mangaleswaran, R., 2013). They have long hour of work
without rest and lack of urban amenities. Climate adds to their woes through rain, searing heat
and chilly winter’s blustery weather by goods damage and extra peripherals requirement
(Jacques Charmes, 2002; Widiyastuti, D., 2013). Uncertainty of site allocation make street
vendors difficult in pushing vending carts from one place to another on damaged roads. Street
vendors also face problems of lack of shelters and storage space (Kurniawati, W. 2012).
Most of these problems are result of non consideration of street vendors while planning urban
streets or land-use planning. So, this work looks into socio-economic condition of the street
vendors for developing a strategy targeting various issues and challenges faced by for its
inclusion into formal planning process of urban transportation infrastructure and landuse with
objectives to analyze the existing concentration, working condition, socio-economic profile
of informal shopping street vendors and suggest the strategies for inclusion of street
vendors during formal urban planning process targeting various issues and challenges faced by
street vendors.
Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 is an
Indian legislation aimed to regulate street vendors in public areas and protect their rights with
following key highlights.
• Town Vending Committee will be responsible for conducting of survey of all the vendors
under its jurisdiction, and such survey must be conducted every five years. No street vendor will
be evicted until such survey has been made and a certificate of vending has been issued
For the development of Sonipat city with in terms of better road infrastructure facility and
enhancing the image of the city, the street vendors act 2014, Policy guidelines for Street
Vendors/ Hawkers -2014, Urban Local Bodies Department, Haryana, Chandigarh, needs to be
implemented in the city on urgency. Along with the implementation of Street Vendors Act, Right
to earn livelihood should be protected. Government should frame laws to protect street from anti
social elements. Vending zones to be identified in old city areas and new site on the periphery of
the existing municipal boundary need to be identified by the urban planners to formally include
street vendors in planning process. Vendors should form association recommendation and
forwarding of applications for registration of all existing vendors to district administration in fair
and transparent manner. District administration should issue vending license and proof of
identity to carry out vending in specific areas thereby making the vending legal. Skill training
and credit facilities to be made available to street make initial investment. Schemes like
pension, health care etc. should also be extended to street vendors. Each ward should have town
vending committee, which in turn would be responsible to form a location centric policy,
keeping the National Street Vendor Policy as a guiding tool.
District administration should identify parking site near the vending zones to make vending more
natural. Vending zones and parking sites can be run by Public private partnership parking (PPPP)
modes in the entire city. Unemployed youth, NGO’s and trusts were encouraged to manage
parking at the busy places. District administration should provide permanent sheds for vendors
with proper shades with minimum facilities such as first aid, drinking water, and toilet. Garbage
collection and solid waste disposal, public toilets and sanitation for vendors, electricity, gas.
Hypotheses:
To fulfill the objectives of the study the following hypotheses have been framed 1. There
is no significant association between socio economic status such as age, gender, marital status, type of
family, educational status, type of business, investment, business running years and the problems of
street vendors at Gajuwaka. 2. There is no significant association between socio economic status such as
age, gender, marital status, type of family, educational status, type of business, investment, business
running years and the prosperous of street vendors at Gajuwaka.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Government must ensure the equal treatment of unorganized workers in par with organized workers.
Retail trade which is done by the street vendors must be protected and reserved; so the multinational
companies and giant companies from India should not be allowed in retailing.
Nationalized banks should give priority in giving loans to the street vendors at a nominal interest rate.
Allotment of houses to the street vendors should be done through the housing board. Reservation
policy should be implemented by the government to intake the children of the street vendors in higher
educational institutions.
Street vending is a very imperative ZZZ
CHAPTER-3
AGE OF RESPONDENTS
Opinion No of respondents Percentage
20-30 3 10
30-40 10 33
40-50 10 33
50 above 7 24
TOTAL 30 100
Chart 3.1
AGE OF RESPONDENTS
20-30
30-40
40-50
50above
Source: Table3.1
TABLE 3.1 explains the age of the respondents. It is observed from the table that 10% of them
are 20-30. 33% of them are 30-40. 33% of them are 40-50 and 24% of them are 50 and above . It
is learned that more are in the age group between 30-40& 40-50.
Table 3.2
GENDER OF RESPONDENTS
Chart 3.2
GENDER OF RESPONDENTS
No. of respondents
male
female
Source: Table3.2
Table 3.2 explains the gender of respondents it is observed from the table that majority of the
respondents are female with 67% and male of 33%.
.Table 3.3
Total 30 100
Chart 3.3
No. of respondents
married
unmarried
Source: Table3.3
Table3.3 shows the marital status of the respondents It is learned that the majority of them are
married are 83% and the remaining of them belonging to unmarried category are 17%.
Table 3.4
REGISTERED VENDOR
Chart 3.4
REGISTERED VENDOR
No. of respondents
yes
no
Table3.4 represents that 83% of them are registered vendors and 17% of them are non-
registered vendors.
Table 3.5
TIMINGS OF RESPONDENTS
Table 3.5
TIMINGS OF RESPONDENTS
No. of respondents
6 am-8pm
7am-8pm
8am-9pm
Table3.5 represents timing of respondents majority of people work from 7 am-8 pm of 50%.
From 6am -8pm of 33% and least of 8am-9pm with 17%.
Table 3.6
< 1 Year 5 17
1-5 Years 10 33
5-7 Years 7 23
Above 7 years 8 27
Total 30 100
Chart 3.6
No .of respondents
< 1 year
1-5 years
5-7 years
above 7 years
Source: Table3.6
Table3.6 represents total experience of business in that majority is in 1-5 years experience with
33%. Above 7 years with 27%. 5-7 years with 23% and least with 17 % of less than one year of
experience.
Table 3.7
From farmers 1 3
From growers 2 7
From wholesalers 12 40
From agents 15 50
30 100
Total
Chart 3.7
No.of respondents
from farmers
from growers
from wholesalrs
from agents
Table 3.7 shows that majority of people are purchasing vegetables from agents with 50%. Then
from wholesalers with 40%. Least are purchasing from growers and farmers with 7% and 3%.
Table 3.8
Total 30 100
Chart 3.8
No. of respondents
auction sale
Source: Table3.8
Table3.8 represents that majority of price is determined according to the market conditions
with 57%. Then by price decided by the supplies and bargaining at the time of single purchase
with 16% and 17%. Least is followed by auction sale with 10%.
Table 3.9
PERCENTAGE OF PROFIT
Opinion No of respondents Percentage
10% 12 40
15% 7 23
20% 5 17
30% above 6 20
Total 30 100
Chart 3.9
PERCENTAGE OF PROFIT
No. of respondents
10%
15%
20%
30% and above
Source: Table3.9
Table3.10 represents percentage of profit highest share of profit is 10% with 40%. 30 %
with 20% ,15% with 23% , and 20% with 17%.
Table 3.10
HOW MANY VARIETIES OF ITEMS DO YOU PURCHASE
1-2 5 17
3-4 7 23
5-6 8 27
7 and above 10 33
Total 30 100
Chart 3.10
No .of respondents
1 to 2
3 to 4
5 to 6
7 and above
Source: Table3.10
Table 3.10 represents no. of varieties of items purchased majority of people are selling 7
and above varieties with 33% . then 5-6 varieties with 27%,3-4 varieties with 23%, and least of
17 % with 1-2 variety of items.
Table 3.11
To cover 15 50
To put water 10 33
To put cover and water 5 17
Total 30 100
Chart 3.11
No .of respondents
to cover
to put water
to put cover and water
Source: Table3.11
Table 3.11 represents the freshness and fragrance of items kept for sale. Majority of people
cover them with 50% ,next some people sprinkle water with 33% least number of people follow
both cover and water with 17%.
Table 3.12
WHICH FACTORS DO YOU TAKIMG TO ACCOUNT WHILE BARGAINING THE PRICE
Quality 10 33
Quantity 10 33
Concessions 5 17
Credits 5 17
30 100
Total
Chart 3.12
No. of respondents
quality
quantity
concessions
credits
Source: Table3.12
Table3.12 represents the factors taken into consideration while bargaining the price
majority of people taken into consideration the quality and quantity of that product with 33%,
concessions and credits are taken by 17%.
Table 3.13
Yes 25 83
No 5 17
Total 30 100
Chart 3.13
No. of respondents
yes
no
Source: Table3.13
Table 3.13 represents the profitable prices while selling the vegetables 83% of people get
profitable prices while selling and 17% of people didn’t get any profitable prices while selling.
Table 3.14
Yes 25 83
No 5 17
Total 30 100
Chart 3.14
No. of respondents
yes
no
Source: Table3.14
Table 3.14 represents satisfaction from sales 83% of people are satisfied with sales and
17% of people doesn’t satisfy with their sles.
Table 3.15
Yes 20 66
No 10 44
Total 30 100
Table 3.15
No .of respondents
yes
no
Source: Table3.15
Table 3.15 represents vendors own vehicles to carry and delivery items 66% of people
carry their own vehicles for delivery and 44% of people doesn’t carry vehicles for delivery.
Table 3.16
Opinion No of Percentage
respondents
Self finance 20 67
Loan from the relatives 5 17
Loan from institutions 5 16
Any other sources 0 0
Total 30 100
Chart 3.16
No. of respondents
self finance
loans from relatives
loan from sources
any other sources
Source: Table3.16
Table 3.16 represents the sources of finance of vendors 67% of people are self finance,17% of
people are loan from relatives,16 % of people are loan from other institutions .
Table 3.17
Yes 28 93
No 2 7
Total 30 100
Chart 3.17
No. of respondents
Yes
No
Source: Table3.17
Table 3.17 represents the LIC policy 93% of people are having LIC and 7% of people are
not having LIC.
Table 3.18
Price determination 10 33
Bargaining 5 17
Storage 5 17
Quality 10 33
Total 30 100
Chart 3.18
No. of respondents
price determination
bargaining
storage
quality
Table 3.18 explains the difficulties faced in selling majority are having in price determination
and quality have 33% and least are in bargaining and storage with 17%.
Table 3.19
Price determination 10 33
Regular supply 5 17
Transportation 10 33
Credit facility 0 0
Total 30 100
Chart 3.19
No. of respondents
price determination
regular supply
transportation
credit facility
Source: Table3.19
Table 3.19 represents the difficulties faced by purchasing. majority are faced with
price determination and transportation with 33%, regular supply with 17%, and least with credit
facility with 0%.
Table 3.20
Chart 3.20
No. of respondents
Source: Table3.20
Table 3.20 represents the competition faced in business 67% of people are faced with keeping
good quality of products and 33% are faced to reduce price.
Table 3.21
Transport 10 33
Others 10 33
Labor 5 17
Communications 5 17
Total 30 100
Chart 3.21
No.of respondents
transport
others
labor
communications
Source: Table3.21
Table 3.21 represents that majority of the respondents are facing the difficulty in transport and
others like bargaining with 33% and labor and communications with 17 %.
Table 3.22
Yes 25 83
No 5 17
Total 30 100
Chart 3.22
No. of respondents
Yes
No
Table3.22 represents that they are having regular customers or not 83% of people are having
regular customers and 17% of people are not having regular customers.
Table 3.23
Chart 3.23
No of respondents
Yes
No
Source: Table3.23
Table 3.23 represents that vendor is having mobile or not 83% of vendors are having mobile
and 17% of vendors are not having mobile.
Table 3.24
Bank 25 83
Post office 0 0
Mutual funds 5 17
Others 0 0
Total 30 100
Chart 3.24
no of respondents
Yes
No
Source: Table3.24
Table 3.24 represents where the vendors invest profits .83% of people are investing in banks
and 17 % of people are investing in mutual funds not a single person is investing in post office
and others.
CHAPTER-IV
FINDINGS, SUGGESTIONS & CONCLUSION
FINDINGS
1. In the study area varied activities of street vending are taking place. Vegetable selling is done
by major street vendors followed by fruit selling. Researcher finds more than 50 per cent of
street vendors sell fruits and vegetables.
2. In the study area the women participation in street vending is lower than the male
participation. This reflects the over all trend in Tamil Nadu.
3. Analysing the age factor of the street vendors a meager percentage of street vendors are
below the age of 30. And major street vendors fall in the age group of 41-50 years. Researcher
finds only a very low percentage of youngsters are involving in street vending.
4. Analysing the religion of the street vendors only 2 per cent of the street vendors belong to
Christianity. Researcher finds that in the study area many educational institutions are run by
Christian organizations. This has given the Christian population more opportunities to get
education and employment. It has reduced the Christian population to engage in street
vending.
5. In the study area almost 90 per cent of the streets vendors belong to the backward and the
most backward communities. It shows that the study area consist of more backward and the -
216 - most backward population and also it is learnt that a very little percentage of people
belong to forward community has engaged in street vending.
6. In the study area almost 89 per cent of the street vendors are married.
7. In the study area the street vending is done permanently by 82.7 per cent of the street
vendors. This shows their only livelihood is street vending and this makes them vulnerable and
poor.
8. In the study area 65.7 per cent of the street vendors have a small family not exceeding 4
members. This shows the awareness of family planning has grown among the minds of the
street vendors. Researcher finds the family planning measures taken by the Government is a
vast success.
9. In the study are 72.3 per cent of the street vendors live in rental houses. This shows the poor
economic status of the street vendors and shelter being one of the essential needs for dignified
living; it is not available to the majority of the street vendors. This indicates the street vendors
are not having a decent standard of living. And also 79.3 percent of the street vendors live
under thatched roofing houses. Thatched houses are prone to fire accidents. This type of
houses usually lack basic facilities like bathroom, toilet and - 217 - other civic facilities. The
nature of the house reveals the nature of unhygienic life of the major street vendors.
10. Almost 62 per cent of the street vendors are using LPG as the energy for cooking. This is
really a boon which is achieved through the efforts taken by the state government to provide
free LPG stoves and free LPG connections to the Below Poverty Line families.
11. In the study area only 46.7 percent of the street vendors get Rs.2000/ - Rs. 5000 as their
monthly income. The average annual income of India is Rs.44,000. This clearly endorsees the
broad picture of income distribution prevailing in India. So it is learnt that 27.7 per cent of the
street vendors earned less than Rs. 3000 and live below poverty line.
12. With regard to the monthly expenditure of the street vendors it is observed that they
spend low on various requirements. Since expenditure is a crucial factor of economic welfare
the lower expenditure leads to low consumption, lower welfare and low standard of living.
13. In the study area almost all the street vendors borrow from others according to their
capabilities. They lead their life only with borrowing. This shows their inability to come out of
the clutches of money lenders and indigenous bankers. They are debt ridden and reeling under
depth trap.
14. The interest rate per year paid by the street vendors is very high, where as the commercial
banks in India charge 8 -14 percent of interest per year. The high rate of interest make s them
debt ridden.
15. In the study area 78 per cent of the street vendors favour the parties DMK and AIADMK.
The trend simply echoes the popular trend prevailing in the state.
16. In the study area major street vendors feel the usage of smart cards is useful. Smart card
enables the street vendors to have access with some social benefits.
17. Analyzing the support for the prevailing caste system almost 75.3 percent of the street
vendors respond neutral stand. This shows the changing attitude of the street vendors towards
caste system. Tamil Nadu is one of the most progressive states where caste system is varnishing
steadily but slowly.
18. Referring equal status for women almost 64.3 per cent of the street vendors stand neutral.
This shows a major portion of the street vendors are not keen on improving the status of
women.
19. Referring inter religions marriage 72.3 per cent of the street vendors do not agree with the
inter-religious marriage. This shows the religion holds still vice like grip in the behaviour of the
street vendors.
20. Analyzing the inter caste marriage almost 83 per cent of the street vendors do not agree
with inter caste marriage. This shows many street vendors are fitted with the caste sentiments
and they are caste ridden.
21. With regard to the dowry system 64.3 per cent of the street vendors stand neutral. This
implies they passively entertained the dowry system in vogue.
22. Almost all the street vendors have a good faith on their religion and they accept the
religion makes them as a good human being. This shows the concept of ‘No God’, ‘No Religion’
preached by the Dravadian movements in Tamil Nadu has not succeeded.
23. Analyzing the relationship of the street vendors with other religious communities, 71.3 per
cent of the street vendors feel it is cordial. This shows the mind setting of religious tolerance of
the street vendors. Tamil Nadu is the state which is maintaining religious harmony among
different religious sects of the society.
24. Viewing television seems to be a major entertainment by the street vendors. This is the
outcome of the Government of Tamil Nadu’s scheme of free distribution of Television s ets to
the poor and also this implies the fast growth of the satellite. channels and a sharp decline on
Cinema viewing in the theatres.
30. With regard to the opinion of the street vendors, they prefer the stars of Kamal, Rajihi,
Shivaji and MGR in mostly. Sin ce 1960, Tamil Nadu politics is fully influenced by the film
heroes. The politics in Tamil Nadu and the film industry are indivisible.
26. Many of the street vendors like the family subject stories to view as an entertainment. This
shows the strong sentimen t on the family system prevailing in the study area.
27. Almost 70.3 per cent of the street vendors’ priorities their children’s education as an urgent
need. Though the major portions of the street vendors are illiterates, they want to give
education to their children. This implies the growing awareness of education among the street
vendors.
28. Majority of the street vendors (88.3 per cent) have nuclear family. This clearly shows the
break down of joint family system among the street vendors.
29. Among the total number of street vendors 96 per cent of the street vendors have the habit
of smoke or drink. This unnecessary expenditure has eaten away .
30. Majority (58.95 per cent) of the street vendors takes treatment in government hospitals
and 19.07 per cent of the street vendors take treatment in private hospitals. This shows the
success of the free medical insurance schemes adopted by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
31. Majority of the (78 per cent) street vendors are not getting any assistance from Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs). This show the street vendors are not in the focus of the
NGOs.
32. Majority (71.3 per cent) of the street vendors feel the prices of the essential commodities
are very high and alarming. This is the major reason that leads to less consumption and less
economic welfare.
33. Majority (55.7 per cent) street vendors feel happy with the performance of Trichy
Corporation, the State Government of Tamil Nadu and the Union Government. This implies
there is no anti-governmental sentiment among the street vendors, though they have some
bitterness. Tamil Nadu is the State which is not affected by the terror groups like naxal
movement.
34. During slack season 41.7 per cent of the street vendors borrow from others to meet their
daily needs and 58.5 per cent of the street vendors spend from their savings. During - the slack
season, especially during rains, they are pushed to withdraw their business, which leads to
borrow or dilute their savings. This implies lack of occupational mobility and lack of alternative
employment to the street vendors.
35. Analyzing the case of untouchability major street vendors reluctant to give their strong
views against untouchability. This implies that untouchablity is not unanimously endorsed or
opposed by the street vendors.
36. Astrology is believed by major street vendors in the study area. This implies the illiteracy
and superstition are indivisible factors.
37. Among the street vendors only 16 per cent of the street vendors are physically challenged.
For physically challenged people it is more difficult to do vending on the street.
38. Majority (88.3 per cent) of the street vendors are not looking after their aged parents. This
shows a pathetic status of old age people hailing from the families of the street vendors. Their
lives are marked by poverty and hopelessness.
39. It is very much encouraging that all the street vendors give education to their girl children.
This exhibits the awareness among the street vendors to give education to their girl children in
par with the boy children.
40. Almost 86.7 per cent of the street vendors have electricity facility at their houses. This is
due to the reason that the Government of Tamil Nadu supplies free electricity to the poor
sections of the society especially to the slum dwellers.
41. With atmost sadness it is noticed that almost 76.3 per cent of the street vendors do not
have toilet at their houses. This clearly shows their unhygienic life style. And 76.33 percent of
the street vendors have no water facility and 70.7 per cent do not have drainage. This further
exhibits their poor life style.
42. With regard to the transport, almost 81.67 per cent do not own a vehicle and depend up on
public transport system.
43. It is a great success to the mobile telephony in India; the cell phones have reached almost
all the street vendors.
44. The well being index of the street vendors are worked out to the just 28.59 out the
maximum of 100. There are certain spheres where the street vendors lacking behind.
45. There is no significant relationship between sex and political affiliation of the street
vendors. It is against the belief in Tamil Nadu that the female voters are favouring AIADMK.
46. There is a significant relationship between age and po litical party belongs to.
47. There is no significant relationship between religion and political party affiliation. It is
against the beliefs in Tamil Nadu that the religious minorities are supporting DMK party.
30. There is no significant relationship between community and political party affiliation of the
street vendors.
50. There is no significant relationship between religion and inter caste marriage.
51. There is no significant relationship between age and their opinion about dowry system.
52. There is no significant relationship between religion and their opinion about dowry system.
53. There is no significant relationship between the community and opinion on dowri system.
54. There is no significant relationship between nature of business and problems encountered
by street vendors.
55. There is no statistically relevant relation between vices of the street vendors and disease
SUGGESTIONS
In the light of the foregoing analysis and findings the following suggestions can be made to
improve the conditions of the street vendors.
Sustained and continuous efforts are needed to improve the education, health and
employment conditions of the street vendors. The government can create a separate ministry
or a special cell under the Ministry of Labour to look after the welfare of the workers in the
unorganized sector under which the street vending falls.
Street vendors can be trained in food preservation methods. And they can be provided with a
common chilling warehousing to preserve their unsold articles.
The government can assist them financially for their business activities at free rate of
interest. And government can extend the subsidy to the street vendors, especially for vending
perishable items
A market place can be allotted specially for street vending where the street vendors may be
charged a very nominal rent.
A vigilance team can be constituted under the headship of the City Police Commissioner to
prevent the harassments on street vendors.
Free education can be given to the children of street vendors and a quota system can be
implemented to the children of the street vendors in higher education.
Pension scheme can be implemented and to protect the aged vendors and the premium can
be paid by the Government.
Government can provide a job in government sector to atleast only one member from the
vendor’s family.
The state run housing board can allocate low cost houses to street vendors with proper toilet,
water and drainage facilities.
Awareness programmes on environment and waste disposal management can be given to the
street vendors.
Government can set up counseling centers to council the street vendors to get rid of their
vices.
All the street vendors can be declared as people living under Below Poverty Line (BPL
families).
CONCLUSION
The indepth analysis of the socio economic facets of the street vendors in Tiruchirappalli town
has led to the unambiguous conclusion that their economic condition is really deplorable and
there is a dive need for concrete action plan to ameliorate the socio economic conditions of the
street vendors. The social security net work of Tamil Nadu Government is quite strong. The
noon meal scheme, a unique scheme specially designed to enhance the enrolment of children
in the primary school has served a vast chunk of the vulnerable sections of the society. The
smart card provides old age persons to get assistance from the government. The distribution of
1kg of rice for Re.1 is another path breaking scheme of Tamil Nadu Government. Under
Samathuvapuram, houses are allotted for the BPL families. Inspite of these concreted efforts of
the government still majority of the street vendors are reeling under acute poverty and
deprivation. The needs of food, clothing, shelter, education and alternate employment
opportunities are not accomplished by the vast majority of the street vendors. The government
would formulate tailor made programmes to suit and address the specific needs of the street
vendors. The blanket approach is not giving to solve the problems of the street vendors. We
should not forget the everlasting slogan that says “Poverty in anywhere; is a threat to the
prosperity in every where”.
BIBLOGRAPHY
www.google.com
www.wikipedia.com
www.rediff.com