The East and North City Corporations have commenced distribution of identity cards to thousands of street vendors under the Karnataka Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
Over 6,000 vendors identified
Within East City limits, 2,157 street vendors were identified through a recent survey. Authorities have initiated steps to issue identity cards to 1,800 of them. Commissioner DS Ramesh symbolically distributed ID cards to 30 vendors on Thursday and directed officials to complete distribution through community resource persons.
Meanwhile, in North City limits, 4,445 vendors were identified in a survey conducted between September 20, 2024, and January 6, 2025. Additional Commissioner (Development) R Latha launched the distribution drive in Yelahanka, handing over ID cards to 20 vendors.
Officials stated that all identified vendors will receive identity cards at their respective business locations.
Streamlining vending zones
Commissioner Ramesh stressed the need to regulate vending activities to prevent traffic congestion. He instructed officials to jointly inspect vending zones along with the Traffic Police, corporation authorities and street vendors’ associations.
He also directed that vending zones be finalised only after formal notification and verification, with mandatory No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Traffic Police. New vending zones may be identified wherever necessary to balance livelihoods with public convenience.
The move is aimed at protecting vendors’ livelihoods while ensuring organised and safe public spaces in the city.