Bengaluru, Apr 7 (Reporter) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday thanked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his concern over the welfare of street vendors and reaffirmed the state government's commitment to their development. In a post on social media platform X, Siddaramaiah wrote: "Thank you Shri @RahulGandhi for your concern regarding street vendors. During my first term as Chief Minister (2013–18), Karnataka became one of the first states to frame Street Vendors Rules. We are continuing that mission with renewed commitment." Highlighting recent initiatives, the Chief Minister said that 27,655 street vendors had been registered in Bengaluru following a fresh survey, and elections to the Town Vending Committees (TVCs) will be held in April 2025. A total of 10,142 vending spots have been identified across 189 vending zones in the city, he added. In addition to infrastructural support, the government has introduced welfare schemes for health, housing, education, and skill development of vendors and their families. "In 2024–25, 3,778 beneficiaries will receive electric vending carts to improve mobility and enhance business opportunities," Siddaramaiah said. The Chief Minister's post came in response to a letter from Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who had written to him raising concerns over the welfare and rehabilitation of street vendors in Karnataka...////...