Kathmandu, November 24:

The taskforce formed by the Home Ministry under the chairmanship of Keshav Sthapit, former mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC), to identify right areas for street vendors’ use and to effectively manage their service, has submitted its report.

The taskforce has recommended using free government land under the concept of Public Private Partnership, particularly BOOT(Built, Own, Operate and Transfer), in order to transform the Informal Sector Service Providers (ISSP) into respectable service providers.

It has suggested systematically transforming informal business undertaken at Bhrikuti Mandap into the BOOT concept. The establishment of a joint company and its operation as a cooperative for the ISSPs welfare has also been suggested.

As an alternate employment, the task force has recommended foreign employment for willing ISSPs, adding that Saturday market, night market and mobile market should be managed by the central and local governments.

For the convenience of local people, managing vegetable markets in different places as required is also a part of the recommendations.

The report has also suggested forming a National Disaster Relief Fund to help ISSPs during disasters and subsequently declare the businesses conducted at the footpaths and pavements illegal. “If any ISSP is found violating the law, their goods will be seized and deposited in the proposed fund.”

An authorised committee should be formed for a successful implementation of the report in coordination with the concerned stakeholders.

The task force has registered around 1,200 ISSPs, who will be allowed to continue their business on the way between Sainik Manch and Khula Manch, both sides of Kamalakshi, north-western part of Sundhara till Khichapokhari, Pako and Dharmapath for a maximum period of next six months.

The report also suggests providing space in the market areas during the evening rush hours. Following the time, Kalanki, Koteshwor, Maharajgunj, Chabahil, Gaushala can be other places for the ISSPs to run their business without disturbing the vehicular movement.

The report says the taskforce has identified certain political groups, organised business groups, and local clubs that are involved in capturing the street spaces, including criminal groups who have eyed the business.

The report has set November 16 as the date to begin implementing the recommendations.