Street Food Vendors in Delhi Take a Clean Turn with the Launch of Electric Cooking Initiative by NASVI

Mahesh Dhoundiyal - Delhi
In a landmark move toward sustainable urban development and cleaner food vending practices, the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI), in partnership with Finovista, officially launched the Clean and E-Cooking initiative today at the Raja Ram Mohan Memorial Hall, near Hindi Bhawan, Vishnu Digambar Marg. The event marked the formal rollout of electric cooking equipment distribution to over 250 street food vendors across Delhi, with the goal of promoting a more eco-friendly, safe, and cost-effective approach to street food preparation.
The inaugural event was graced by key dignitaries and sector experts who emphasized the importance of clean energy solutions for informal micro-entrepreneurs. Mr. Ankeshwar Mishra, Joint Director at FSSAI, Mr. Ram Kumar, representative of MCD, Mr. Chandrashekhar, Advisor Officer at Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), Mr. Yogesh Vyas, Assistant Manager at BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, assured, Mr. Shankha Lahiri, Business Development Adviser at the Shell Foundation, Mr. Vimal Kumar, Director and Co-founder of Finovista, and Mr. Virendra Shekhawat, Manager Trainer at FSSAI attended the meeting. 
Mr. Arbind Singh, National Coordinator at NASVI, spoke passionately about the empowerment of vendors: “This is not just about cooking—it’s about dignity, health, and entrepreneurship. We're proud to be part of this revolution.”
The event included a live demonstration of electric cooking technology tailored to the needs of street food vendors, showcasing how induction cooktops and compatible utensils can improve hygiene, reduce cooking time, and cut down operating costs. Vendors received hands-on training and engaged in discussions with technology providers and policy experts about the feasibility, affordability, and benefits of this clean energy switch.
This initiative forms part of a broader national movement supporting the Government of India's push to reduce reliance on polluting fuels, improve urban air quality, and empower micro-entrepreneurs with modern, sustainable tools. It also aims to address critical gaps in infrastructure, financing, and awareness that hinder the large-scale adoption of electric cooking in commercial settings.
With this powerful beginning, Delhi’s Street food culture is poised to become a beacon of clean, safe, and sustainable urban entrepreneurship.