Rehabilitation for flower vendors

Chennai: To end the practice of usury and to ensure that perishable items are sold in wholesale rates to public in Saidapet, the local MLA has envisaged a rehabilitation programme for vendors in his constituency.

“Under the programme kickstarted last week, soft loans, financial aid and counselling for effective business is now provided to vendors. Under the first phase,  200 flower vendors are covered and a similar programme for roadside eateries is under preparation. This would ensure that the food served by the  vendors is cost effective and prepared in hygienic conditions”, said Saidapet MLA and former Mayor Ma. Subramanian.

Steps are on to make Saidapet a model constituency. The first initiative is to fight  inflation at the local level. Most vendors take loans at higher interest and this pushes the cost of essential commodities.

The programme is aimed to make Saidapet a cost effective locality. Soon a concept appealing to local auto drivers not to fleece public will also be taken up, he said.

Free outdoor umbrellas are provided to flower sellers to protect them from the sun and rain. A petty cash assistance of Rs 1,000 is also given to each of them. Soon soft loans through micro-financing firms will be arranged, he said. “It was like a thanks giving meet and the MLA assured assistance for all flower vendors and demanded to keep the area clean and tidy”, said Kanchana, a local vendor.