Correct Option
The correct option is (a) 1 only.
Explanation
The status of street vendors in India has evolved significantly. Historically regulated under municipal laws dealing with public nuisance and obstruction, street vending is now recognized as a legitimate source of self-employment under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 and the Constitution of India.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Until recently, urban planning and municipal authorities primarily viewed street vending as an encroachment on public spaces and an obstruction to traffic and pedestrians. This perspective often led to harassment and eviction before the enactment of protective legislation and the National Policy on Urban Street Vendors.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Street vending is not illegal. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted the right to street vending as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(g) (right to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business), subject to reasonable restrictions. The 2014 Act explicitly recognizes and protects this livelihood.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: Hawkers and street vendors are not barred from forming associations. Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution guarantees the right to form associations or unions. Furthermore, the 2014 Act mandates the formation of Town Vending Committees (TVCs), which must include elected representatives from street vendor associations.
Key Takeaway: The Street Vendors Act, 2014 marks a paradigm shift from treating vending as a "public nuisance" to recognizing it as a protected livelihood right, ensuring regulation through participatory Town Vending Committees.