EAC Chümoukedima, Er Khriengunuo Theunuo, along with other officials pose for a photo during the International Street Vendors Day 2026 held at the DC’s Conference Hall, Chümoukedima, on November 12. (DIPR Photo)
Chümoukedima, November 12 (MExN): The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Chümoukedima, in collaboration with North East Network (NEN), observed International Street Vendors Day 2026 under the theme “Climate-Resilient Markets, Stronger Voices” at the Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall, Chümoukedima, on November 12.
Addressing the gathering, EAC Chümoukedima, Er Khriengunuo Theunuo, acknowledged the contribution of street vendors to the local economy, describing them as micro-entrepreneurs and an important part of the town's urban economy.
She highlighted the need to ensure dignity, security and better opportunities for street vendors while recognising their role in providing essential goods and services to the community.
Theunuo briefed the gathering on the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and the State Vending Rules, stating that efforts were being made to protect registered vendors from arbitrary eviction and harassment.
On financial empowerment, she highlighted the PM SVANidhi scheme, which provides collateral-free working capital loans to street vendors, and the SVANidhi Se Samriddhi initiative, which seeks to connect vendor families with social security benefits, including health insurance, life cover and food security.
She encouraged vendors who had not registered for street vendor identity cards or availed benefits under PM SVANidhi to approach the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) for assistance.
She also urged vendors to work alongside the administration to keep vending areas clean, plastic-free and safe for pedestrians and traffic, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining orderly and hygienic markets.
Speaking on the topic “Why Climate-Resilient Markets Matter”, State Project Coordinator, SEWA Nagaland, Temjenlemla, explained how extreme heat, heavy rainfall and inadequate market facilities affected the health, safety and livelihoods of street vendors.
She highlighted the need for safe vending spaces, access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities. She also stressed the importance of strengthening Town Vending Committees (TVCs) and ensuring their effective functioning under the Nagaland Street Vendors Rules, 2019.
President of SEWA Nagaland, Atoli, spoke about the everyday challenges faced by women vendors while working in extreme heat. She also raised concerns over the continued inactivity of the TVC and called for the committee to become more active in addressing vendors' issues.
During an open dialogue titled “Three Priorities, One Shared Way Forward”, street vendors raised concerns over access to PM SVANidhi benefits, issuance of street vendor identity cards, functioning of the TVC and waste management at North Town Bazaar.
Clarification was also sought on the requirement for vendors to possess both a Street Vendor ID card and a trade licence.
CTC officials encouraged vendors to practise waste segregation and follow the scheduled timings of waste collection vehicles, while acknowledging the need for greater awareness among the vending community.
The need to establish safe drinking water stations at Thepfu Market and North Town Bazaar was also highlighted.
The programme focused on challenges faced by women street vendors due to rising temperatures and extreme heat, and the need to make local markets safer, more inclusive and climate-resilient.
