Government examining street hawkers’ petition
Sonam Tshering, ThimphuJan 1 2016
The Economic Affairs Minister, Norbu Wangchuk said the government is examining the petition submitted by the street hawkers. The street hawkers had submitted the petition to the Prime Minister’s Office in November, last year.
“Prime Minister asked small committee of Cabinet to examine matter. As of now what we have done is to ask for a really examined case from the police, from the city corporation, from the department who are in charge of promoting these entrepreneurs.”
Lyonpo said once they have a comprehensive picture on their hand they will be able to make a judgment and submit recommendation to the Prime Minister. “Even as we speak, the stake holders are reviewing the petition.”
The street hawkers were asked to stop selling food items along the streets of Thimphu from November, last year.
The move had come after the Royal Bhutan Police took initiative, along with Thimphu Thromde and BAFRA not to allow street hawkers to sell fast food along the streets, last year.
The stakeholders said it caused littering and increased crime rate. They said also said the food items sold were not safe to consume.
Unless they are compensated with monthly allowance, why deprive people of their means to livelihood and self-employment?