Chennai Corporation Issues Final Call for Street Vendor ID Card Collection
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has extended its special ID card distribution camps for street vendors until February 28 at respective ward offices across all zones. GCC Commissioner J Kumaragurubaran has urged vendors to collect their chip-based QR code ID cards before the deadline, warning that failure to do so will result in the cancellation of their vendor licenses.
New System to Regulate Street Vendors
To improve the livelihood of street vendors and streamline their operations, GCC has established a street vending committee. As part of this initiative, the Corporation is issuing new digital ID cards equipped with a QR code and web link feature for better regulation. During a meeting on January 24, it was decided to distribute the remaining ID cards to those who had already registered.
From January 27 to February 15, ID cards were issued at ward offices, with 4,253 cards distributed as of February 13, bringing the total count to 24,573. However, 6,567 vendors are yet to collect their ID cards, prompting GCC to conduct a special camp from February 16-28. Vendors must return their old ID cards and collect their new ones through OTP verification at the camp.
Ward Councillors Demand Inclusion in Street Vending Committee
Meanwhile, several ward councillors have raised concerns at the recent GCC council meeting, requesting to be included in the street vending committee. They emphasized their on-ground knowledge of vending and non-vending zones, which would help authorities take action against unauthorised vendors and maintain order on Chennai’s roads.
With the February 28 deadline approaching, vendors are urged to collect their ID cards immediately to avoid cancellation and ensure their business remains operational within GCC limits.
