Jammu, 27 October (H.S.): Ex-Councillor Priti Ashwani Khajuria, accompanied by a deputation of street vendor union, met the Executive Officer (EO) of the Municipal Council Udhampur to raise serious concerns regarding the rehabilitation of vendors who have been asked to vacate the site in front of the newly constructed Municipal Council Udhampur (MCU) building.

During the meeting, Priti Khajuria strongly appealed to the municipal authorities to adopt a humane, just and people-centric approach towards the affected Fari members, whose livelihoods depend on their small vending businesses. She emphasised that these vendors are not merely occupants of a particular place but hardworking individuals who support their families through their daily earnings.

“Development should never come at the cost of the livelihood of poor and marginalised people. Before asking these Fari members to vacate the site, the authorities must ensure that a suitable alternative arrangement is made for them. No family should be pushed into economic uncertainty without a fair and practical rehabilitation plan,” she urged.

The deputation requested the EO to identify suitable alternative vending spaces and ensure that the rehabilitation process is undertaken in a transparent, fair and time-bound manner. It also appealed to the administration to consider the financial hardships that may arise if vendors are displaced without an alternative source of livelihood.

Priti Khajuria and Ashwani Khajuria reiterated that the voice of small vendors deserves to be heard and that development must remain inclusive, ensuring that the benefits of urban progress reach every section of society without leaving the poor and vulnerable behind. President Kuldeep kumar and all executive members were presented.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar