Shillong, Sept 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday described the relocation of street vendors to designated zones at Dhankheti and Barik as a “historic” move that protects livelihoods while helping make Shillong cleaner and more pedestrian-friendly.
Sangma, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai and Chief Adviser to the Government and East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, distributed financial assistance to relocated vendors at Brightwell Bungalow.
The Chief Minister said the initiative was possible because of cooperation among vendors, local MLAs, municipal authorities and the Urban Affairs Department.
“This would not have been possible without the cooperation of every single stakeholder,” Sangma said.
He said the relocation may appear to be a small step, but was one of the more challenging exercises undertaken by the government because it directly involved people’s livelihoods.
“It is not just about development. It is directly linked with the livelihood of people and with the overall beautification of the city,” he said.
Sangma also highlighted the decision to use Brightwell Bungalow, which had been the official residence of the Urban Affairs Minister, as a space for relocated vendors.
“The livelihood of our people is more important to us. Even though it meant that the minister would have to surrender his official bungalow for our vendors, he has done it,” Sangma said, thanking the minister for his “graciousness and large-heartedness”.
The Chief Minister said prime government spaces across Shillong were being made available to vendors so that streets could be cleared and made more walkable without affecting their income.
He urged students, tourists and residents to visit and support the new vending zones, saying they had developed into small communities where vendors could continue their daily livelihood in an organised environment.
The government also plans to further improve the vending zones with toilets, permanent benches, decorative lighting and live evening music. Sangma said the facilities could help vendors continue business beyond 7 or 8 pm within permissible vending hours.
“It is a historic move. We have been trying to do this for long, but it has been a very difficult phase. Finally, we have ensured a win-win where nobody loses and everybody gains,” he said.
As part of the relocation support, the government is providing ₹20,000 to each vendor, including ₹10,000 as immediate assistance to be credited directly, followed by ₹2,000 per month thereafter.
