How Devendra Fadnavis Plans To Promote ‘Night-Out’ Culture In Mumbai

The BJP-led government in Maharashtra is all set to transform the nightlife in Mumbai with its new scheme aimed at setting up night food courts, festival street plazas and weekly bazaars where licenced street vendors will be allowed to operate, Sandeep Ashar of the Indian Express reported on Tuesday. The move, many believe, will help the government woo the hawking community just before civic body elections in the commercial capital.

Around 99,000 vendors surveyed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will be issued vending certificates. Legislation passed by UPA government in 2014 limits the number to 2.5 per cent of the population of the concerned municipal ward. To accommodate others, vendors would be permitted inside parking areas on payment of parking charges. Spaces will also be allotted on time sharing basis. Vending committees comprising of representatives from the hawker community will be set up in each municipal ward to look after the day to day affairs.

The plan proposes to retain all traditional and existing markets as compulsory vending zones. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will present the plan before his cabinet for a final nod in the next few days. The move is set to generate employment opportunities for the unemployed members of the community and will help light up the nightlife in Mumbai.