Noida : A prolonged protest by street vendors (rehri-patri sellers) in Sector 16, Noida, came to a temporary halt on Monday, June 23 after direct intervention from social activist and former MP candidate Naresh Nautiyal, who facilitated dialogue between the protesters and officials of the Noida Authority.
The protest, which had entered its third consecutive day, was staged by vendors demanding proper recognition, allotment of vending space, and action against alleged harassment and illegal monetary demands by certain officials. The agitation had been intensifying, with concerns that local police were pressuring the demonstrators to vacate the site without a proper resolution of their demands.
Naresh Nautiyal, who had been informed of the situation and the growing tension on the ground, decided to cut short his scheduled tour in Uttarakhand. He had already communicated with relevant officers via WhatsApp on Saturday, advising that the protesters be given time until Monday to continue their demonstration peacefully. However, he noted with concern that no significant administrative action had been taken over the weekend.
On June 23, Nautiyal personally visited the protest site at Sector 16 to assess the situation. There, he listened to the concerns of the vendors, many of whom belong to economically weaker sections and rely entirely on street vending for their livelihoods.
During the visit, he also engaged in a brief discussion with an officer from the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU), who clarified that the issue did not fall within the jurisdiction of the police but was under the purview of the Noida Authority.
Subsequently, Nautiyal contacted Lokesh M, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Noida Authority, who was in a meeting at the time. The CEO advised him to speak with Rawal, the Deputy General Manager (DGM), to take the matter forward.
Acting on this advice, Nautiyal appealed to the vendors to end the protest temporarily and accompany him to the Noida Authority office for a formal dialogue.
At the Authority office, Rawal met the vendor representatives and listened to their grievances with seriousness and empathy. After hearing them out, he offered the following key assurances –
- Priority identification and space allotment will be made for eligible vendors, especially those from economically weaker sections in compliance with urban street vending guidelines.
- A review of vending arrangements in Sector 16 will be carried out to assess the status and needs of other street vendors in the area.
- In cases where vendors have been subjected to illegal monetary demands or harassment by any official, swift and strict action will be taken. Any official found guilty will be immediately removed from the concerned position.
Based on these assurances, the protestors agreed to temporarily suspend their indefinite sit-in.
Speaking after the meeting, Naresh Nautiyal expressed appreciation for the cooperative approach shown by the Noida Authority and emphasized the urgency of resolving the core issues affecting street vendors across Noida. He also reiterated that these vendors are part of the city’s essential informal economy and deserve dignity, protection, and institutional support.
“ thank the Noida Authority for its prompt and positive response today. But I also urge them to ensure that these promises are turned into real action at the ground level. The livelihood of hundreds depends on it.
Naresh Nautiyal
As a legal advisor to the RPSWA (Rehri Patri Street Vendors Welfare Association) and a public representative, Nautiyal confirmed he would continue to monitor the situation and stand with the vendor community until permanent solutions are implemented.
The protest at Sector 16 may have been paused, but for many of the vendors, the fight for rightful recognition and space in the city continues.