Law, Liberty and Livelihood: Making a Living on the Street

Law, Liberty and Livelihood: Making a Living on the Street goes beyond mere macro-statistics and statistical controversies regarding the impact of liberalization on the poor and endeavours to further the understanding of the processes and dynamics involved in various urban livelihoods. It documents through primary research the ‘official’ as well as the ‘actual’ regulatory and licencing processes by direct interactions with varied stakeholders. The case studies of railway porters, street vendors, small shop keepers, cycle and auto rickshaw drivers, household-based industries, as well as small school operators provide graphic details of what ails India’s entry-level professionals- the bottom rung of the economic ladder from which the poor can hope to climb to economic success while providing some of the most essential services to city people.