BMC Begins Issuing QR Code Identity Cards to Registered Hawkers in Dadar
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has commenced the distribution of Quick Response (QR) code-enabled identity cards to registered hawkers in Dadar and other areas across Mumbai. The rollout, which began on the Thursday preceding June 27, 2024, aims to curb illegal vending and streamline the verification of 99,345 authorized street vendors. Civic officials noted that Dadar recorded the highest number of verified hawkers during the initial phase of the initiative.
The distribution follows a verification drive that started on June 5, 2024. While the drive was initially scheduled to conclude by June 15, it was delayed by nearly two weeks because several registered hawkers were away from the city during the verification process.
To receive the new cards, hawkers must first visit their respective ward offices to verify their personal details, survey numbers, specific vending locations, and jurisdictions.
Mayor Ritu Tawde launched the distribution by handing out the first 100 QR code-enabled identity cards to registered vendors on Thursday. On Saturday, Mayor Tawde distributed another 4,971 cards to registered vendors at Ghatkopar. Civic officials stated that Dadar accounted for the highest number of verified hawkers among the participating wards, which also included Colaba, Churchgate, and Goregaon.
According to civic officials, the QR codes will provide instant authentication of authorized vendors. This technology is expected to help both the BMC and the Mumbai Police identify and act against illegal hawkers more efficiently.
The initiative is part of the implementation of the BMC's hawkers' policy, which traces its origins to the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and subsequent Supreme Court directives. Although an initial survey identified nearly 1.65 lakh hawkers across Mumbai, only 99,345 completed the documentation process.
The policy had been stalled for years due to litigation and disputes over the eligibility of surveyed vendors. However, the process gained momentum in April with the formation of the Town Vending Committee (TVC), which is the key body responsible for guiding the implementation of the hawkers' policy.
