‘Relocation a victory for both government and hawkers’
Shillong, Aug 5: Relocation incentives were distributed on Tuesday among street vendors and hawkers, who were relocated to the designated vending zone at MUDA parking lot in Khyndailad, Shillong.
Deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh presented cheques of Rs 10,000 to the hawkers, who had to relocate from the streets of the state’s busiest commercial hub.
Terming the relocation a “victory” for both the state government and the hawkers, the ministers appreciated the latter for their cooperation in the whole exercise.
In his address, the deputy chief minister assured that the government is committed to protecting and supporting its people.
Dhar also expressed confidence that the people would extend their cooperation to achieve the goal of making Shillong the cleanest city in the country.
He said the government has ensured that the vending zone is equipped with basic facilities such as cleanliness, drinking water, and washrooms.
“I convened a meeting last week and instructed my officers to maintain cleanliness of the vending zone,” Dhar said while requesting the hawkers to report any issues as his door is always open.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by vendors during the transition period but expressed confidence that they would prosper in the long run.
“Please remember problems are to be solved on the table not on the road. There is no key without the lock. Similarly, there is no problem without solution. We are here to protect our own people,” Dhar said.
On the allegations of “chasing” the hawkers from the streets, he said, “We are trying to put them in the right place and the right location.”

In his address, tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh said the decision to make Shillong pedestrian-friendly is a step in the right direction, ensuring that footpaths are reserved for pedestrians and road users.
“Our rights and privileges should not affect the rights and privileges of others,” he said.
Emphasising on pedestrian safety and convenience, he cited examples of cities that have successfully implemented pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Explaining the Rs 20,000 relocation incentive per vendor – Rs 10,000 shifting allowance + Rs 2,000 for five months – he said most other states provide only space for relocation of vendors.
“We have given them not just space but also facilities like drinking water, construction of washrooms, proper electricity,” Lyngdoh said.
The minister informed that construction has already begun for 15 washrooms that will cater to hawkers and the public visiting the vending zone.
He requested citizens to give the government some breathing space to implement its plans and assured that things will fall into place soon.