In a U-turn, Mamata says hawker eviction not the goal of her government

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee halts hawker eviction, forms committee for survey and report submission within 15 days.

After two days of action against illegal encroachment of footpaths by hawkers, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a U-turn on Thursday and said hawker eviction was not the goal of her government.

Ms. Banerjee, who addressed a review meeting on encroachment by hawkers with senior officials and Ministers of the State government, constituted a committee to conduct a survey and submit a report to her office within 15 days.

“We are not going for hawker eviction immediately. Since they (the hawkers) have sought one month’s time, we should complete our work in one month,” the Chief Minister said.

For the past two days, civic authorities and police in Kolkata, and in the districts, had undertaken hawker eviction drives. Bulldozers were brought out on the streets and temporary structures built by hawkers blocking footpaths were razed.

“I have no right to take away anyone’s source of income or render anyone unemployed. Millions run their family by hawking. There will be no eviction for one month. During this period, the hawkers have to clear the footpaths,” the Chief Minister said at the meeting.

The Trinamool Congress chairperson blamed political leaders and policemen for the hawkers occupying the streets. She threatened councillors with arrest if hawkers sitting on pavements illegally are not removed.

“Councillors should have kept a watch on this from the start. If you help a new hawker (to encroach), you will be arrested. The leaders of the area first take money (from hawkers) and allow them to sit and start doing business. Afterwards they bulldoze them... This cannot be allowed,” she said.