Background
Retail environments in urban centres of developing economies exhibit the co-existence of informal traditional retail systems with modern retail institutions. Previously, it had been proposed that with economic growth and the emergence of modern retail structures, the size of the informal sector would substantially decline and its place would be taken by more efficient and advanced retail systems. This has however not been the case and informal retail continues to be relevant.

Present Study
The study explores the prevalence of informal weekly markets in times of rapid modernization of retail structures in Delhi. It seeks to understand the socio-political economy that sustains and perpetuates these markets. More specifically, it looks into its economic basis, the social dynamics between the different market participants, and the interpretation and implementation of regulatory policies.

Methods
The study uses semi-structured interviews with over 150 vendors and 50 consumers across seven weekly markets in South Delhi, participant observation, and open-ended conversations with other stakeholders to gain insights into the functioning of these markets.

Key Findings
1) Drawing on the history of pre-independence Delhi, subsequent urbanization, and development of urban villages, the study explains the large assemblage of low-skilled migrant labour, who are sustained by these markets, alleviating pressure on the public distribution system and employment schemes. Maintaining them in a state of semi-regularity enables the government to conveniently withdraw support with shifts in the politico-economic climate.
2) Marketplace social capital and vendor heterogeneity are overlooked while framing policies which increases vulnerability of the marginalized vendors.

Authors:
Srishti Sarkar, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Srishti Sarkar, Doctoral candidate at Centre for Economic Studies and Planning (CESP), Jawaharlal Nehru University. General area of interest includes the functioning of the informal economy in urban areas. At present working on Weekly markets.

See this presentation on the full schedule – On Demand Schedule

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