SHILLONG, AUG 18: More than 750 street vendors and hawkers have been successfully relocated from busy commercial stretches in Shillong to newly created vending zones, the Urban Affairs department announced on Tuesday, calling it a major step under the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023.
In collaboration with the district administration of East Khasi Hills, the department completed the relocation of vendors who were earlier operating along Laitumkhrah Junction towards Beat House and in the Dhankheti area.
They have now been shifted to the SMB Parking Lot at Dhankheti and the Brightwell Bungalow premises, where newly constructed stalls are already operational.
The exercise covered vendors from Khyndailad, Quinton Road, Civil Hospital, Polo, Dhankheti, Laitumkhrah, Governor’s House, Jail Road, Laban and Lachumiere.
In all, 750 eligible vendors have been accommodated in designated zones developed at the MUDA Parking Lot, Dhankheti Parking Lot, Brightwell Compound, parking lot opposite SBI, Polo Hawkers Market behind Majestic Hotel and Barik Compound.
The Urban Affairs department said the new zones have been planned to provide vendors with safe and secure spaces to carry on their livelihood. Along with designated stalls, the areas are being supported with basic urban amenities such as toilet facilities, adequate lighting and better accessibility.
Officials said the identification and development of these spaces involved extensive coordination between the Urban Affairs Department, General Administration Department, PWD, Health and Family Welfare and Forest & Environment departments.
In a significant move to free up space, the official residence of the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs was shifted to enable the creation of a vending zone at Brightwell Bungalow.
“The relocation of street vendors is a complex exercise requiring careful planning, extensive consultations and coordination among multiple stakeholders,” the department said.
“In the case of Laitumkhrah, the Town Vending Committee conducted multiple formal meetings with vendor associations and other stakeholders before arriving at the present stage of implementation. The entire process was undertaken in accordance with the provisions of law, with due consideration to the concerns, livelihoods and dignity of the vendors.”
The department noted that vendors shifted willingly without the need for strict enforcement.
“The Department is pleased to note that the vendors have willingly relocated to the designated vending spaces without the need for strict enforcement measures. The newly constructed vending stalls provide a more organized and suitable environment for vendors to conduct their business activities. The positive response from vendors reflects their cooperation and active participation throughout the process,” it stated.
To support vendors during the transition, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant. Under the scheme, every vendor holding a valid Certificate of Vending will receive relocation assistance of ₹20,000, comprising an upfront payment of ₹10,000 and a monthly allowance of ₹2,000 for the next five months.
The Urban Affairs department also acknowledged the cooperation of vendors and the efforts of the Town Vending Committee, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills, Shillong Municipal Board, Shillong Traffic Police and vendor associations for ensuring that the relocation was carried out smoothly and with respect for the dignity and livelihoods of those affected.
