ABSTRACT: The study is primarily based on the primary data generated through a comprehensive sample survey from 120 hawkers spread across the district of Tenkasi. It is devoted to the socio-economic analysis of hawkers tenkasi. As there is a dearth of such information, the study fulfills this gap which will be helpful to the state authorities for proper planning and public policy measures to protect and promote the livelihood rights of hawkers. The study found that an over whelming majority of them were living below the poverty line, vulnerable to poverty, victims of low income/earnings and educational level. Further, the study also explored that due to low level of income, these hawkers spend very low on various requirements which in turn lead to lower level of consumption expenditure, social welfare and low standard of living. These hawkers faced various types of harassments from different sources in the form of evictions and confiscation of their goods and other belongings. The study also found widespread lack/absence of basic infrastructure at the working sites, e.g. overhead shade, storage space, water, toilet facilities, electricity, etc. and unhygienic working environment. The study suggests that the state government and the urban local bodies should take appropriate steps to implement the various provisions of the Street Vendors Act 2014 to accommodate the needs of street vendors in the plans. This would stimulate the earning opportunity of these petty traders as well as will save them from debt-trap situation.