Shillong, Aug 12: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has sought street vendors’ cooperation in their relocation to designated vending zones while asserting the government’s objective is to create a “win-win situation” for both the vendors and the citizens.
During his visit to the Polo Hawkers’ Market where he distributed cheques as relocation assistance to the eligible vendors, Sangma said the initiative would provide vendors with a more secure and organised space to continue their livelihoods while helping keep footpaths clear for pedestrians.
The government initiative is aimed at balancing street vendors’ livelihoods with better-managed public spaces.
In the process, over 400 eligible street vendors are being relocated to designated vending zones in Shillong, while providing each vendor Rs 20,000 in relocation assistance.
“The Rs 20,000 assistance is being provided to support vendors during the transition,” Sangma said, adding that relocated vendors would also have opportunities to access bank loans and other financial support to strengthen their businesses.
Expressing the government’s objective of protecting livelihoods to the maximum extent possible, he admitted that there would never be a perfect solution.
“There will always be challenges and compromises. The objective is to find the best mix so we can create a win-win solution,” Sangma added.
He thanked vendors who have cooperated and urged others, including those in Laitumkhrah and Jail Road, to shift.
“We are not here to take away anyone’s livelihood. We understand the challenges. But we also have to maintain public order and keep pavements clear so people do not face inconvenience,” he said.
On resistance to relocation, the Chief Minister cited court directions as a key constraint. “We have challenges because the court has also given strict instructions. We have to comply with that too. In all of this, we are doing our best to balance things out,” he said.
Sangma said relocation causes initial disruption, but was necessary for the city.
“A lot of streets have been cleared. Pavements that were blocked earlier have been opened up. This has been possible because hawkers were supportive and officers worked hard. We hope the same can be done in a few more locations,” he said.
During his visit to the newly developed Polo Vendors’ Market, the chief minister reviewed the rehabilitation of street vendors and interacted with them.
He was received by Shillong Municipal Board officials and members of the Town Vending Committee (TVC).
The TVC Chairman briefed him on the market operations and the relocation of vendors from Polo and Jail Road areas.
Sangma distributed cheques under the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant. Vendors with a valid Certificate of Vending are eligible for Rs 20,000 — Rs 10,000 immediate assistance and Rs 2,000 per month for five months.
So far, 65 CoVs have been issued for the vending zone opposite SBI and 106 for the zone near Matri Mandir.
The Polo Vendors’ Market has been set up on a 2,270 sqm site with a 620 sqm hawker area and 132 stalls. 48 vendors are from Polo and 84 from Jail Road. 72 vendors have already taken possession.
The relocation is being carried out under the Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme, 2023, by the Urban Affairs Department and East Khasi Hills administration.
Similar efforts were earlier done in Khyndailad and Civil Hospital.
Basic amenities have been provided, including toilets, LED lights in each stall and 8 halogen lamps. The market caters to vegetables, fruits, garments, fast food, fish, chicken and pan shops.
Sangma said the government plans to extend similar support to other areas.
