Tai Bazari fee collection continues in Jalpally despite GHMC merger

Tai Bazari fee collection from street vendors continues in Jalpally nearly a year after its merger with the GHMC. Vendors allege they are being charged Rs 50 a day, higher than the prescribed tender fee, and question the practice.

HYDERABAD: The collection of ‘Tehbazari’ or ‘Tai Bazari’ fee from street vendors continues in Jalpally nearly a year after the erstwhile municipality was merged with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), raising questions over the need to continue the practice in an urban civic body.

The fee collection system has reportedly been discontinued in several GHMC circles following complaints of harassment of street vendors by contractors. In Jalpally, however, vendors continue to be asked to pay the fee, with civic officials maintaining that the system was in force when the area was a municipality.

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Traditionally, ‘Tai Bazari’ is used by municipalities in the districts as a source of revenue to meet local administrative and civic expenses. Vendors and residents question its continuation in Jalpally after the merger, pointing out that the GHMC has several established revenue streams, including property tax, building permission charges and advertising fees.

“Why should poor street vendors be fleeced when the GHMC already has several sources of revenue? Such collections only add to the burden on families dependent on petty vending for their livelihood,” said Abdul Salam, a social worker from Shaheen Nagar.

Mohd Rahman, a vendor operating at different locations in Jalpally circle, said he was made to pay Rs 50 a day. “If we do not pay, the goons shout at us and threaten to close down our business. To avoid conflict, we pay. I pay Rs 350 a week,” he said.

Several vendors made similar complaints and questioned the manner of collection. While the prescribed fee as per the tender for a vegetable vendor is understood to be around Rs 15 to Rs 20, vendors alleged that Rs 50 was being collected.

The system’s continuation has also raised questions within the civic administration. Sources said some Jalpally officials pursued the file for continuing the collection and forwarded it to higher authorities.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Jalpally, B Venkat Ram said the tender was called after approval was sought from the Zonal Commissioner and the GHMC Commissioner. However, officials could not produce a copy of the approval when sought.

“The Jalpally municipality has become part of the GHMC, but the old collection system continues as if nothing has changed. The GHMC should explain why Jalpally is being treated differently from other circles and whether there is any valid order permitting the collection,” demanded Sunita, a vegetable vendor in Jalpally.