Livelihood regulations documented

Livelihood regulations documented
Saturday July 12 2008 11:13 IST Sudha Nambudiri for EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE KOCHI

KOCHI: Did you know that small food courts, mobile vendors and cobblers in Kochi are not issued licence?

Your neighbourhood mobile vegetable and fruit vendors do not have licence to sell. This was revealed in a study conducted by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) and the Centre for Civil Society (CCS) under a ‘Law, Liberty and Livelihood’ project.

The study, which was aimed at documenting the livelihood regulations and barriers in the informal sector, was conducted in 63 cities across the country where the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)is being implemented.

“The purpose was to unveil the laws applicable to entry-level professions like mobile and stationary street vendors and to document them, thereby drawing public attention to the issues faced by the entry- level professions,” said Dhanraj, CPPR coordinator.

The study is funded by the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust (SDTT), Mumbai. The outcome of the research project is easy-to-navigate website www.cppr.in or www.ccs.in on the rules and regulations in five informal sectors, including cycle rickshaws, autos and shops like meat or barber shops in these cities.

According to the Kerala Municipality Act, a person who enters a trade or any other business in streets has to get permission from the secretary of the Corporation in advance of 30 days (D and O Schedule M O H 12/10013/94). At present, no licence is being given to fruit sellers.

In Kochi, the licence is regulated by the Corporation under the purview of the Kerala Municipalities Act and Rules 1994. It issues two types of licences, namely, dangerous and offensive trade licence and prevention of food adulteration licence.

The fee is fixed by the council. “If you are a late eater, it’s wise that you grab your manna early as it is mandatory that all shops close at 10 pm,” said Caroline C who coordinated the study.

No restaurant or eating-house will be opened between 10 pm. and 5 am. Hotels, bakery, sweets and meat shops require both licences.