Bmc Qr-code Drive Exposes ‘ghost’ Hawker Licences, Raises Questions on Vendor Welfare

The streets of Mumbai are home to thousands of hawkers, each with their own story of struggle and resilience. But behind the vibrant facades of these street vendors lies a complex web of issues, including the problem of ‘ghost’ hawker licences. A recent drive by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has shed light on this issue, revealing a staggering 3,167 ‘ghost’ licences that have been issued to vendors who are no longer alive.

What’s a ‘Ghost’ Hawker Licence?

A ‘ghost’ hawker licence is essentially a licence that has been issued to a vendor who is no longer alive. This can happen when a vendor passes away, but their licence is not cancelled or transferred to their kin. As a result, the licence remains active, allowing others to use it to operate their business. This can lead to a range of issues, including tax evasion, unfair competition, and a lack of accountability among vendors.

The BMC’s Verification Drive

The BMC’s recent verification drive was aimed at issuing QR code-enabled identity cards to authorised vendors. However, the drive also revealed the extent of the ‘ghost’ licence problem. According to officials, the drive was conducted in phases, with a team of officials verifying the identities of vendors and checking their licences. The drive was also used to update the BMC’s database of vendors, ensuring that only legitimate vendors are issued licences.

Concerns About Vendor Welfare

The revelation of 3,167 ‘ghost’ licences has raised concerns about the welfare of vendors who have passed away. Many of these vendors may have been struggling to make ends meet, and their licences may have been their only source of income. The BMC is now considering transferring these licences to the kin of the deceased vendors, ensuring that their families continue to receive support.

What Happens Next?

The BMC’s decision to transfer ‘ghost’ licences to the kin of deceased vendors is a welcome move. However, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this approach. Will the BMC be able to track and monitor these licences, ensuring that they are not misused? How will the BMC ensure that the kin of deceased vendors are able to operate their businesses effectively? These are just some of the questions that need to be answered as the BMC moves forward with its plans to address the ‘ghost’ licence problem.

The issue of ‘ghost’ hawker licences is a complex one, involving a range of stakeholders, including vendors, the BMC, and the government. However, by working together, it is possible to find a solution that benefits everyone involved. The BMC’s decision to transfer ‘ghost’ licences to the kin of deceased vendors is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that this move will be followed by further initiatives to support vendors and ensure that they are able to operate their businesses fairly and transparently.