Street vendors in Kerala - vulnerability, capability, and potentials

Abstract

The recent study aims to examine the vulnerability, capability, and potential of street vendors in Kerala. These vendors serve as a driving force, providing job opportunities in the informal sector, particularly for marginalized groups such as women, Dalits, and other backward communities. However, they encounter numerous challenges and obstacles alongside the inherent advantages and attractions of their work, while also possessing unique capabilities and potentials that could sustain their vending operations. The present research employs descriptive methodologies grounded in analytical methods to delve into the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, socio-economic profiles, awareness levels of street vending acts, the impact of demonetization, the influence of trade union interventions, rehabilitation policies, and the challenges confronted by street vendors in Kerala. The major objective of the study is to analyze the vulnerabilities, capabilities, and potentials of street vendors operating across various areas of Kerala, including Grama Panchayaths, Municipalities, and Corporations. The study reveals that opportunity is the most prominent factor in the SWOT analysis. Street vendors encounter challenges in initiating their businesses and show limited awareness of vending acts and rehabilitation policies. Additionally, a positive and significant direct effect is observed between trade union intervention and the bargaining power of street vendors. To address their vulnerabilities and fully harness their capabilities and potentials, the government of Kerala should play an active role in ensuring the proper implementation of suggestions from vending acts.