A bill which seeks to protect street vendors  and regulate their activities in public areas was passed in Parliament today. As per the bill, street vendors will be provided with identity cards which will allow them to sell their products in vending zones allocated to them.The bill will also help the authorities to regulate hawking activities in public areas such as pavements and roads.

The measure also provides for setting up of vending zones for hawkers to sell their products with minimal restrictions and without fear of being fined by municipal authorities for vending in unauthorised areas.

National Advisory Council headed by Sonia Ghandhi had recently batted for a central legislation, saying the model bill prepared by the ministry limits the Centre's responsibility.

The bill approved today includes the recommendations of the NAC.