Bengaluru: After years of delay, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has initiated the distribution of identity cards to 5,105 street vendors across six Assembly constituencies under the Karnataka Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
BBMP Commissioner Rajendra Cholan said the move is aimed at protecting the livelihoods of street vendors and ensuring a supportive regulatory framework for street vending in the city. “The identity cards will provide official recognition to street vendors and help them access government schemes and institutional credit,” he said.
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The distribution process began on February 9, 2026. On Wednesday, Additional Commissioner (Development) Daljit Kumar distributed identity cards to vendors in the Shantinagar Assembly constituency. Joint Commissioner Hemanth Sharan and officials from the Revenue Department were present during the programme.
According to officials, identity cards were distributed to 260 vendors on Thursday — 68 in Shantinagar, 135 in Shivajinagar and 57 in C.V. Raman Nagar. The remaining vendors will receive their cards in a phased manner through the Assistant Welfare Officer, Chief Accounts Officer (CAO) and community organisers.
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The total number of identified beneficiaries across constituencies includes 646 in Shivajinagar, 483 in C.V. Raman Nagar, 566 in Shantinagar, 763 in Chickpet, 1,869 in Gandhinagar and 778 in Chamarajpet.
Street vendor representatives said the issuance of ID cards comes after prolonged delays. “For several years, BBMP had not issued identity cards despite repeated demands. Without the cards, vendors faced eviction threats by local police and difficulties in accessing welfare schemes,” a vendor from Gandhinagar said.
Under the Street Vendors Act, identity cards serve as proof of registration and protect vendors from arbitrary eviction, while also regulating vending zones in urban areas.
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Vendors also pointed out that lack of official identification had affected their access to institutional loans under the PM SVANidhi (Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi) scheme. Several vendors alleged that many banks were reluctant to process loan applications without proper documentation.
“Some banks were not giving permission or processing loans easily. Only nationalised banks were extending loans to us, while others were hesitant,” said a vendor from Shivajinagar.
The PM SVANidhi scheme, launched to support street vendors with working capital loans, requires vendors to furnish identification and certification from urban local bodies. With the distribution of identity cards, vendors expect smoother access to credit and formal financial support.
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Civic officials said the move would also help streamline vendor data and bring them under formal regulation. “This is a step towards sustainable urban development and ensuring that street vending is regulated while protecting livelihoods,” an official said.
However, vendor unions stressed that issuance of identity cards must be followed by clear demarcation of vending zones and protection from eviction drives. They urged the civic body to ensure that all identified vendors receive their cards without further delay.
The distribution drive is expected to continue over the coming days until all 5,105 registered street vendors within the central city limits are covered.
