Effects of COVID-19 on Street Vendors of Suti-I and Suti-II C.D. Blocks of Murshidabad District, West Bengal

People who offer goods or services in public places, usually on the streets or sidewalks of metropolitan or densely populated areas, are known as street vendors, also known as hawkers or peddlers. In the twenty-first century, street vending is a typical example of the informal economy found around the world and also in India. These vendors contribute significantly to the local economy by providing easily accessible and affordable products and services for residents’ daily lives. It is the main source of livelihood for a large number of people in West Bengal, even in Murshidabad. The unexpected arrival of the COVID-19 in India, which was initially discovered in Wuhan city, China, in December 2019, presents unprecedented economic challenges to street vendors. On March 24, 2020, the Indian government imposed a nationwide lockdown due to the damaging effects of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). As a result, practically all small or large industries have adopted shutdown and lockout procedures that call for preventing crowding and human contact. The livelihood of the street vendors is completely stopped, and they face huge financial losses. To meet their needs and demands during the lockdown, they spent their savings, borrowed money, sold goods from their homes, and were burdened with debt. Although they received aid from various government and private organisations, it was not enough. Many of the street vendors changed their professions to meet the financial needs of their families. This study aims to explore the effects of COVID-19 on street vendors in Suti-I and Suti-II C.D. blocks of Murshidabad district, West Bengal.