Street Vending in Sikkim: Gendered Inequalities and Urban Informal Livelihood in Northeast India

Street vending is an integral part of the urban informal economy in Northeast India. It has been a source of livelihood for marginalised people in urban and semi-urban areas. This paper explores the socioeconomic status of street vendors in eight major towns in Sikkim, focusing on their income disparities, vulnerabilities and the role of gender. A total sample size of 310 street vendors was selected from eight major towns in the state. A stratified purposive sampling method was used and the results were analysed with the help of descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages. Factors influencing the income of vendors were analysed through a multiple linear regression model. Findings show that the majority of the vendors have minimal educational attainments. Though most of them reside in pucca houses and have access to basic amenities like water, electricity and sanitation, they still face precarious economic conditions. Education emerges as a significant predictor of income, while loss in vending days due to illness, social obligations and eviction negatively impacts earnings. Further analysis reveals that women vendors earn less in almost all towns because they work few hours and face greater domestic and caregiving burdens. These inequalities are more severe among SC and ST women with minimal education. These findings highlight the intersectional nature of exclusion in urban informal spaces. This requires more inclusive urban policy such as gender-sensitive interventions, targeted support for marginalised groups and improved policy implementation that will transform street vending as a source of sustainable livelihood rather than a survival strategy.