THE IMPACT OF COVID 19 PANDEMIC ON THE WOMEN VENDORS: A CASE STUDY OF PUNE, MAHARASHTRA

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak originated in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and subsequently led to a worldwide pandemic. In response, numerous regions implemented lockdowns, which had widespread repercussions, particularly affecting the female vendors in Pune city of Maharashtra, India Notably, this market was shuttered for a duration of ten months. Consequently, it is essential to examine the ramifications of this closure due to the lockdown, focusing on the impact of this pandemic and the ensuing financial challenges. This study explores the adversities encountered by the women vendors of Pune during the lockdown period. It further assesses the decline in their income, the struggles faced by them, and the alternative strategies they adopted to sustain their livelihoods. Additionally, the research investigates the measures taken by the government for street vendors during Covid 19 pandemic.