The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is preparing to distribute 27,655 identification cards to street vendors across the city. This initiative, under the Street Vendors Act, 2014, aims to legalize their trade and grant them official recognition.

However, a stricter requirement has left many vendors in limbo. Unlike previous years, applicants must now possess a Karnataka-issued ration card, in addition to Aadhaar and voter ID, to qualify. Critics argue this rule is unjust, as numerous vendors, particularly migrants, lack this document. Many had previously secured government-backed PM SVANidhi loans without it, yet are now being denied vending certificates.

The absence of specific location details on ID cards has led to arbitrary evictions. Vendors recount cases where officials forcibly removed them, citing the lack of an address on their permits. Even those legally registered have struggled to retain their spots.

On Church Street, once bustling with over 100 vendors, business has dwindled. Following complaints from residents, the area was declared a non-vending zone. Many displaced vendors now operate inside metro stations, paying daily rentals as high as ₹1,000—more than many shopkeepers.

Vendor unions have criticized BBMP’s handling of the issue, highlighting the lack of awareness among town vending committees. With elections for these committees approaching, those without BBMP-issued IDs will be unable to vote, further sidelining them from decisions that impact their livelihood.