A Study on The Socio-economic Status of Street Vegetable Vendors in Sambalpur City

Aims: Street vending is an essential activity in informal/unorganized sectors in most underdeveloped and developing countries. Street vendors play a vital role in the urban informal economy. In most of the cities in India, generally, poor people prefer street vending as their occupation because this occupation does not require any specific skill. Various studies have been conducted on the socioeconomic condition of vegetable vendors in different regions. No such studies have been conducted on the vegetable vendors of the Sambalpur city. The present research paper aims to study the socioeconomic status and working patterns of the street vegetable vendors of Sambalpur City.

Methodology: The study investigates the socio-economic condition and working patterns of street vegetable vendors in Sambalpur city. The Census method is used to collect data from 385 respondents using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed and interpreted using graphs, charts, pie diagrams, and percentage calculations.

Results: Male vegetable vendors outnumber female vegetable vendors and they are found to be poor in economic conditions. The socioeconomic condition of the street vegetable vendors is low.

Conclusion: The economic condition of the vegetable vendors is not sound. Their daily income and expenditure are very minimal. Both males and females are engaged in this occupation. Many people prefer to opt for this occupation regardless of religion and caste. Very few Government programs and policies are available for them. More programs and policies may be formulated to strengthen their skills in this occupation. The government may provide subsidies to the street vegetable vendors for purchasing essential commodities for street vending.