Times of India, 23 December 2008

PUNE: The Centre for Civil Society (CCS), a non-profit research organisation, on Monday released a study on Livelihood regulations and entry-level barriers in the informal sector'. The study, which was conducted in 63 cities, including Pune, has suggested major recommendations for revamping the rules and regulations pertaining to informal sector.

It shows that, despite there being a national policy on urban street vendors, no state was implementing the same. Also, information sought under the RTI Act on its implementation was not furnished.

Speaking at the release of the study at the Patrakar Bhavan here, Parth Shah, president, CCS, said, "While we were conducting the research, we found that the rich were getting richer and the poor, poorer, particularly in the informal sector. The rules drafted for the informal sector have become outdated and need to be reconstructed keeping in view the current scenario".

The report aims at unveiling the laws applicable to entry-level professions for categories like street hawkers/vendors, transportation, shops and establishments, and draw public attention to the issues faced by them.

The study covered the cities which are part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission project of the Union government.

Ranjit Gadgil, programme director of Janwani, a non-governmental organisation, who was also present during the release, said, "A bulk of our economy rests on the shoulders of informal sector. This is the sector that helps in keeping the cost of goods low and we need to ensure that it works well."

The CCS conducted the research jointly with the Kochi-based Centre for Public Policy Research. The project was funded by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai. In study was conducted in Nashik, Nanded, Nagpur, Pune and Mumbai in the state.

"Our aim is to make the government implement the laws which will help the people in this sector to lead a peaceful life. In many north Indian cities, the laws that are applicable to big shop owners are imposed upon hawkers and vegetable vendors and dhaba operators."

The study also aims at creating an awareness among the public in general about the problem. "Once we challenge the situation, solutions will emerge," Shah said. A website pertaining to the study www.livelihoodfreedom.com was also launched on the occasion.

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