Why do hawkers get to operate if we are made to shut shop: Retailers’ association

Hawkers seen at Dadar West market on Thursday

With the civic body allowing shops in the city to operate from 7 am to 2 pm, hawkers, too, have got a chance to sell their wares on footpaths as citizens emerge to shop. In addition, with non-essential products allowed to be sold on alternate days based on the location of shops, the vacant side is being occupied by hawkers.

The retailers' association has said that hawkers occupy the vacant side of streets and on some streets, both sides

In this matter, the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association (FRTWA) has written to civic chief Iqbal Singh Chahal, asking for his intervention. They have claimed that even as they are restricted by various curbs on timings and days of operation, hawkers are conducting business as usual.

Civic officials claimed that they are taking action against hawkers

On Thursday, Mumbaikars thronged to the market in Dadar West FRTWA president Viren Shah said in his letter, "Where on the one hand BMC has ordered shops to stay open on alternate days, hawkers at areas like Dadar West have occupied both sides of the footpath. We understand that shops are allowed only on one side to ensure no crowding takes place but looking at today's picture hawkers have complete freedom to do business every where in complete violation of social distancing during lockdown."

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The association has demanded parity in terms of action against shops and hawkers

The association has also mentioned how the onus to prevent crowding has been put on them and restrictions have been put, but hawkers are getting away without action. The association has requested the BMC to station a civic van and a police van on streets where hawking takes place.

Civic officials, however, claimed that regular action against hawkers is being taken.