The urban informal economy refers to economic activities that operate outside the formal regulatory, legal, and institutional framework of the organised economy. It includes small-scale enterprises, street vending, construction work, domestic services, waste picking, home-based production, casual labour, transport services, repair work and various forms of self-employment. Informal workers generally operate without formal employment contracts, regular wages, job security or adequate legal protection. The urban informal economy is particularly significant in developing countries, where rapid urbanisation and limited formal employment opportunities push large sections of the population towards informal livelihoods. The informal economy makes a substantial contribution to urban employment generation. Cities attract migrants and workers because they provide diverse economic opportunities, but the formal sector often cannot absorb the growing labour force. The informal economy therefore acts as an important source of employment for low-skilled and semi-skilled workers. Street vendors, domestic workers, construction labourers, rickshaw operators, waste collectors and small traders provide essential services to urban populations while earning livelihoods for themselves and their families. Informal activities also require relatively low levels of capital and educational qualifications, making them accessible to economically weaker groups, migrants, women and workers who face discrimination in formal employment. The informal sector contributes significantly to the