A bill to protect the rights of urban street vendors has been moved for discussion and passage in the Lok Sabha. Moving the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill, 2012 yesterday, Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Girija Vyas said the bill seeks to protect the rights of urban street vendors from harassment by the police, municipal authorities and others. She said, around 2 per cent of the population is involved in street vending activity and this figure is likely to reach 2.5 per cent in a few years. Ms. Vyas said, the proposed legislation will allow them to earn their livelihood without fear. Shailendra Kumar of Samajwadi Party demanded the new law should ensure that vendors are allowed to set up shops in or near main markets.