Govt to strictly enforce ‘no vending zones’ from September
Shillong, July 28: The benefits of Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme, 2023 have reached more street vendors in Shillong as those from Polo and Jail Road have started operating from designated vending zones.
The vendors, who had earlier carried out their business on Jail Road, have moved to the Parking Lot opposite SBI, while the Polo vendors have shifted to the vending zone near Matri Mandir, according to the Urban Affairs Department.
Around 70 of the total 132 stalls at Matri Mandir have already been occupied. At the SBI lot, 9 of 79 stalls are in use. Another 22 vendors from Secretariat Hills and IGP Junction will relocate there on July 29.
The department said the process was completed through consultations and “without any strict enforcement.”
To support the transition, the government is providing Rs 20,000 as relocation package to vendors holding a valid Certificate of Vending (CoV) under the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant.
The package includes Rs 10,000 as upfront payment and Rs 2,000 every month for five months.
So far, 65 CoVs have been issued for the SBI zone and 106 for Matri Mandir.
“The positive response from vendors reflects their cooperation,” the department said, acknowledging the Town Vending Committee, District Administration, Shillong Municipal Board and Traffic Police for coordination.
Relocation of street vendors at Laitumkhrah will begin on August 17.
The government aims to accommodate all eligible vendors in designated zones by September this year, after which “notified ‘no vending zones’ will be strictly enforced” to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian movement.
“The positive response from vendors reflects their cooperation,” the department said, acknowledging the Town Vending Committee, District Administration, Shillong Municipal Board and Traffic Police for coordination.
Relocation of street vendors at Laitumkhrah will begin on August 17.
The government aims to accommodate all eligible vendors in designated zones by September this year, after which “notified ‘no vending zones’ will be strictly enforced” to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian movement.
