HYDERABAD: The whole point of the mega Global Entrepreneurship Summit, that is to start on November 28, is to discuss and promote the spirit of entrepreneurship. Ironically, several street hawkers who made public spaces to earn a livelihood have been made to shut shop in the run-up to the much-hyped event. Thanks to major renovations and elaborate security cover that has been deployed, businesses ranging from small-sized eateries to hawkers who sell cold soda and other knick-knacks are staring at an uncertain future. They aren’t sure if they can continue their business even after the summit is over.
“I set up a meals business about six months ago after seeing that several other people are making decent money in this trade,” says N Hari, who owns a mobile eatery near the Dargah at HICC. “I made good profit selling about 10 kg of cooked rice to 30 odd customers a day.” Thrilled, Hari invested his returns from a chit fund into his business venture. “But for the past two weeks, since the GHMC officials warned us, business has been bad. I have not made any profits,” he claims.
“I have persuaded my landlord to accept free food instead of money and let me run my business on his premises for 2 hours everyday.” G Murthy, another mobile eatery owner. Even the famous Rajasthani traders, well-known from their business acumen, are preparing to return to their hometown. “As of now we do not have any official asking us to leave, but even before they say we will leave to a different junction or visit our home,” said a seller.
However, the GHMC officials maintain that they were moving the hawkers out as it is illegal. “Hawkers, in first place, do not have legal permissions to carry out their businesses. It is illegal for them to stay there and hence we are moving them out,” said Harichandana, Zonal Commissioner, West Zone. “The security aspect is also a concern which cannot be ignored but there would not be any formal orders asking them to get back to their business as it is not legal,” she added.