Vendors willingly relocated without need for strict enforcement: Govt
Shillong, Aug 18: As part of the drive to decongest Shillong’s streets, 750 street vendors have so far been relocated from congested areas of the city to newly developed vending zones under the Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme, 2023.
The vendors from Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti, Khyndailad, Polo, Jail Road, Laban and other areas have been shifted to designated spaces at the MUDA Parking Lot, Dhankheti Parking Lot, Brightwell Bungalow, Polo Hawkers Market and other locations across the city, according to an official release on Tuesday.
It said the new stalls are now operational.
The vending zones have been equipped with basic facilities including toilets, lighting and better access to ensure safe working conditions.
The move followed extensive consultations with vendor associations and the Town Vending Committee, according to the release.
“Vendors have willingly relocated to the designated vending spaces without the need for strict enforcement measures. The newly constructed stalls provide a more organized and suitable environment,” it stated.
To support the transition, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has announced a Rs 20,000 relocation grant for each vendor with a valid Certificate of Vending. The package includes Rs 10,000 upfront and Rs 2,000 per month for five months.
The government also noted that inter-departmental coordination was key to identifying the sites.
In one instance, the official residence of the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs was shifted to create a vending zone at Brightwell Bungalow.
