In an encouraging development, the Government of Pakistan has introduced an Ehsaas Initiative for Street Hawkers. The notion behind this great program is to elevate the economic growth of underserving individuals and small businesses.
During the first phase, the initiative will be tested in the capital of Pakistan, Islamabad. ‘Mazdoor Ka Ehsaas’ program has been launched in collaboration with Capital Development Authority (CDA), Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA), the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), and the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE).
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Street hawkers are over the moon
It is anticipated that as many as 200 vendors have received vending licenses in Islamabad. The licenses have been issued by the municipality besides new eco-friendly carts.
One of the street vendors exhibited his joy over the news by admiring this step from the government. He said that this is the first time any government has thought about the rights of the street vendors. He also added:
“This is for the first time in the history that any government paid heed to the concerns of the street vendors and took steps to ensure their respectable earning through providing them a proper legal space, license certificate, and new eco-friendly carts”
Apparently, the initiative will be assisting close to 200 families as the vendors will be earning through legal channels on the sidelines. Prior to this announcement, there were times when CDA used to launch encroachment operations against street vendors for functioning illegally in the main market. As a result, the vendors faced unbearable losses.
Moreover, the program will allow street hawkers to work independently under nobody’s influence. Earlier, the shop owners used to charge these vendors with intolerable rent. Additionally, it will also help street vendors in expanding their business.
Apart from all aforementioned benefits, one of the most fitting advantage of this program is that the vendors would be getting first-of-its-kind eco-friendly carts. The greatest aspect of these carts would be its convenience.
Statement of Sania Nishtar
While talking about the program, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Dr. Sania Nishtar said:
“This is a one of its kind initiative for street vendors in Pakistan. The marginalized segment of street vendors is an integral part of the local economy. Therefore, it cannot be wished away in a low-income country like Pakistan”
She also assured that this is just the beginning and this program will aim to facilitate all street vendors across major cities of the country.
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