Marina traders seek ID cards for all, oppose allotment for new applicants

While the Madras High Court approved only 900 shops on the beach, the association claimed there were 1,990 shops that have registered as its members. “As per the government order on street vendors in 2015, the Corporation issued identity cards to the vendors on the beach. The Commissioner had told on December 18, 2018, that 1,544 vendors there had been issued identity cards. Though it has not issued ID cards for all members of the association, the Corporation issued a notification seeking application for setting up new shops. This will affect the livelihood of the vendors on the beach,” said Ramesh, one of the coordinators of the association. 

He pointed out that most vendors there were from fishermen community who depended on the shops for their livelihood. 

“We appeal to the Chief Minister to intervene to ensure our livelihood is not affected. Identity cards should be issued to vendors who have not received it yet. After that, the Corporation may issue a notification to set up new shops,” Ramesh added. 

A civic body official said it has issued 1,361 applications under A category (existing vendors) and 16,760 applications for B category (new vendors). “We have received 1,345 applications under A category and 14,841 applications under B category,” the official said.