Shillong, July 16: The state government will go ahead with relocation of street hawkers while adhering to the Meghalaya High Court orders issued on the matter, said the court-appointed special officer after a meeting with authorities concerned here on Wednesday.
Officials of East Khasi Hills district administration, Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), members of Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC) and Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers’ and Street Vendors’ Association (MGSPHSVA) attended the meeting.
The meeting had a fruitful discussion among the parties on how to proceed with the relocation process and issuance of Certificates of Vending (CoVs), the special officer Subhasis Chakrawarty told reporters.
He said the district administration had been asked to proceed with the relocation process at Khyndailad as per the court’s directives.
“So, the administration will now go ahead (with the relocation process) in accordance with the decisions taken on the matter,” he added.
Earlier, the special officer had advised the district administration against carrying out any eviction drive against hawkers citing a high court that asked for preparation of a list of authorised or licensed vendors in consultation with the Hawkers’ Association and local authorities.
The list, as per the High Court’s direction, had not been prepared yet, leaving the status of street hawkers in the area undetermined.
The court had also directed that hawkers will shift to alternative vending areas once provided by the local authority, and other hawkers can apply for valid licenses.
The special officer has been tasked to ensure peaceful implementation of the court’s orders and submit a report by August 5, 2025.
