The vendors claimed that the Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC) continues to obstruct their livelihood under vague technicalities, even as they operate with full compliance (Express)Street vendors in Mohali have raised concerns over being denied the right to work despite holding valid licences and regularly paying municipal fees. A delegation of the Rehri-Phari Union, led by its president V K Bittu, met Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu on Sunday, demanding justice and immediate resolution.The vendors claimed that the Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC) continues to obstruct their livelihood under vague technicalities, even as they operate with full compliance. Social activist Jaswinder Sharma, who also supported the vendors’ plea, stated, “it is unjust for the corporation to collect fees and then refuse permission to work. Many vendors have taken bank loans and are now struggling to repay their EMIs”.Responding to the complaints, the Mayor assured that all genuine licence-holding vendors will be protected and their grievances addressed in consultation with concerned officials. However, he also clarified that unauthorised street vending will not be tolerated, and vendors operating without licences will face seizure of goods.The union strongly opposed the categorisation of their licences as “mobile vending” permits, arguing they have been working from fixed spots for years. “We reject the tag of mobile vendors,” said Bittu. “If these unjust practices continue, we will launch protests and sit-in demonstrations.”Senior Deputy Mayor Amrik Singh Somal and councillor Kamalpreet Singh Banni were also present during the meeting.Coconut vendors evading fees face crackdownThe Mayor also claimed that many coconut water vendors in Mohali have defaulted on their fees for months. He said that immediate inspections will be conducted, and such vendors will be barred from operating until dues are cleared. “Repeat offenders will also be disqualified from participating in future auctions,” Sidhu warned.This year, unlike previous years where a draw system was used, stalls for coconut selling were allotted through an auction. There are 43 approved coconut vending sites in Mohali, of which only 23 received bids ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per site. Eight sites, including those in Phase 3A, Sector 74B, Sector 71, Sector 77, Sector 80, Sector 65, and two in sector 64, have already been shut down due to non-payment. Meanwhile, fees from 15 sites continue to be received by the corporation, according to sources.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:mohaliStreet vendors