CPI(M) Demands Halt to Street Vendor Evictions, Flags SIR Concerns in Bengaluru
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has submitted a 16-point memorandum to the Karnataka government, urging an immediate halt to the eviction of street vendors in Bengaluru. The party argues that the ongoing eviction drives are being conducted without adhering to the provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and directions issued by the Supreme Court.
The memorandum was presented to Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda during a convention on Sunday. It addresses several issues including street vending, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of property records, waste management, transport, housing, labour welfare, and civic governance.
On street vending, the CPI(M) stated that vendors are being evicted without prior notice, rehabilitation, or alternative vending spaces. The party demands that eviction drives be stopped, compensation be paid to vendors who suffered losses, a comprehensive GPS-based survey of all street vendors be undertaken, and vending zones be created as mandated under the Street Vendors Act, 2014.
The memorandum also opposes the proposed 30-year solid waste management tender, citing lack of transparency and potential for corruption. Additionally, the party calls on the government to abandon the proposed Hebbal-Silk Board tunnel road project.
On property matters, the CPI(M) demands withdrawal of the proposed B-khata to A-khata conversion fee under the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), arguing that the charges would impose an unbearable financial burden on middle- and lower-income property owners who have already invested heavily in purchasing plots.
Regarding labour issues, the party demands strict implementation of the revised minimum wages announced by the state government in May and opposes any review of the revised wage notification before implementation. It urges the state to frame worker-friendly rules under the four central labour codes instead of adopting them in their present form.
The CPI(M)'s memorandum reflects ongoing concerns among civil society groups and opposition parties about the manner in which urban governance reforms are being implemented in Bengaluru. The state government has yet to respond to the demands.
