Pankaj Nath, Assam: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday said the state government will conduct a detailed survey of street vendors, small shops and eateries in Guwahati city from August. The survey will provide concrete information about employment generation and income opportunities in the city. The survey will begin from August 16 and will be conducted for three months, the chief minister said while interacting with senior media persons.
Chief Minister Sarma informed that about one lakh shops, including most of the small vendors and food shops, will be covered under the scope of this exercise. The sensor-based survey will provide a comprehensive picture of local economic activities to provide clarity on public data and field information. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that many street vendors and small beginner traders earn substantial revenue daily in Guwahati, with some of their daily income figures reaching around Rs 10,000. “This survey will tell which people are associated with street vending and small business and from which region/state,” Sarma said. He added that the findings of the survey will prove to be an eye-opening experience for the youth of Assam and help in understanding the huge economic opportunities that exist in trade, commerce and self-employment.
The aim of the government is not only to count but also to take policy steps on the basis of this information so that better facilities, regulations and support schemes can be run for the traders. This is expected to help in identification of local markets, clarity on tax and regularization and socio-economic empowerment of street vendors. According to officials, the results of the survey will also be used for future planning of economic plans, technical assistance, credit facilities and training programmes. This will provide small traders with an in-depth understanding of their presence, sources of income, and trading prospects. Chief Minister Sarma asked the youth to seize this opportunity and seriously examine the options of business and self-employment. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the findings of the survey will increase both awareness and opportunities for small businesses and street vending in Assam and especially in Guwahati.
