Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Women vendors in Dimapur are demanding better market conditions. They want safer stalls and climate-resilient workspaces. The Self Employed Women’s Association, North East Network, and Dimapur Municipal Council met at DUDA Hall on November 13. They marked International Street Vendors Day and SVANidhi Mahotsav 2026 under the theme of Climate-Resilient Markets, Stronger Voices.
Temjenlemla, state project coordinator for SEWA Nagaland, pushed for reviving the inactive Town Vending Committee. She cited the Nagaland Street Vendors Rules, 2019, as the path toward better dialogue between workers and the government. Women need a seat at the table. Current working conditions are hitting vendors hard.
Rita Ben detailed the massive costs of survival. She spends 4,500 rupees monthly on water. Sanitation costs her another 3,800 to 3,900 rupees. She proposed community composting to handle mounting waste. Meanwhile, Alila noted that vendors remain at risk of eviction. Others work in the dark. Bendang pointed out the danger to women starting their shifts at 1 a.m.
The Dimapur Municipal Council highlighted the PM SVANidhi scheme. It offers credit up to 30,000 rupees. Naro from the council urged vendors to keep stalls clean. Three vendors earned recognition for their performance. The State Bank of India Evening Branch in Dimapur took top honors for loan volume. Tsipila noted the scheme helped her grow, though she now wants access to MUDRA loans.
Kevilenuo Solo outlined future plans for the Swachhata Committee. These include a pedestrian plaza, cheap water vending machines, and better toilets. She pointed to the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, to justify these upgrades. SEWA Dimapur wants time-bound action on drainage and shaded spaces. They want their concerns addressed. "Climate-resilient markets require not only better infrastructure but also greater participation of women in decisions affecting their livelihoods," Temjenlemla said.
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