SEWA and NEN observe International Street Vendors Day in Chümoukedima, highlighting climate-resilient markets and vendors’ welfare
DIMAPUR — The Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Chümoukedima, in collaboration with North East Network (NEN), observed International Street Vendors Day 2026 on the theme “Climate-resilient markets, stronger voices” at the DC’s conference hall, Chümoukedima, on Thursday.
The programme focused on the challenges faced by women street vendors due to rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions, and the need to make local markets safer, more inclusive and climate-resilient, a DIPR report stated.
Addressing the gathering, EAC Chümoukedima, Khriengunuo Theunuo, acknowledged the contribution of street vendors to the local economy, describing them as micro-entrepreneurs and an integral part of the town’s urban economy.
She stressed the need to ensure dignity, security and better opportunities for vendors while recognising their role in providing essential goods and services to the community.
She highlighted the provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and the Nagaland Street Vendors 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 aims to connect vendor families with social security benefits, including health insurance, life cover and food security.
Theunuo encouraged vendors who had not yet registered for Street Vendor Identity Cards or availed benefits under PM SVANidhi to approach the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC) for assistance.
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 affect the health, safety and livelihoods of street vendors.
She emphasised 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, SEWA Nagaland, Atoli, highlighted the everyday challenges faced by women vendors while working in extreme heat.
She also expressed concern over the continued inactivity of the TVC, stressing the need for the committee to become more functional in addressing vendors’ grievances.
A short video highlighting the difficulties street vendors face due to climate change was also screened during the programme.
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, the functioning of the TVC and waste management at North Town Bazaar.
They also sought clarification on the requirement of both a Street Vendor Identity Card and a trade licence for the same vendor.
In response, CTC officials encouraged vendors to practise waste segregation and adhere to the scheduled timings of waste collection vehicles, while acknowledging the need for greater awareness among vendors.
The need to install safe drinking water stations at Thepfu Market and North Town Bazaar was also highlighted.
The programme was attended by women street vendors, representatives of the Chümoukedima Town Council, the district administration and other stakeholders, who shared their experiences and discussed practical measures to improve market facilities and safeguard the livelihoods of street vendors.