On October 30, under the banner of Footpath Vendors' Sanyukt [United] Sangharsh morcha, a protest was march organised to Patna Municipal Corporation headquarters against the rampant eviction of vendors from the city in the name of smart city, metro project and beautification.
Speaking at the protest, CPIML MLA Com. Mahboob Alam said that on one hand, the administration carries out programs like vendors survey, distribution of vendor identity cards and giving of loans, while on the other hand the same administration, destroys the properties and livelihood of thousands of poor shopkeepers on everyday basis. These are done illegally and no procedures are followed including providing of seizure memo. The Patna Municipal Corporation has no vending policy or any respectable alternative system.
Later, a delegation of CPIML and AICCTU leaders, along with street vendors met the Patna Municipal Corporation Commissioner and submitted a memorandum regarding their demands, including proper implementation of Street Vendor Act, no demolition without proper rehabilitation, creation of vending zones and providing of vendor IDs, withdrawal of all false cases filed against those involved in vendor rights movement etc.
