In a notable initiative aimed at alleviating congestion in the commercial center of Police Bazar, a total of 282 vendors have been relocated to the newly-built stalls at the MUDA parking lot following an extensive process that lasted approximately two years.
Describing this as a momentous occasion, MDA Spokesperson and Tourism Minister, Paul Lyngdoh, remarked that the entire undertaking has spanned nearly two years, culminating in a thorough survey that encompassed around 1,400 street vendors.
He stated that the government prioritized Khyndai Lad, recognizing it as the most bustling commercial district in Shillong.
The government identified 407 vendors who were eligible to receive the certificate of vending (CoV), establishing specific criteria for obtaining the CoV. One criterion required proof of residency in Meghalaya for a continuous period of three years prior to the survey. Another stipulation mandated that vendors must have been engaged in vending activities in the same location for at least six months preceding the survey.
Lyngdoh clarified that the same standards will be applied in other regions as well, noting that out of the 407 vendors, 311 have successfully collected their CoVs.
To assist in the relocation of vendors, 365 vending stalls were constructed, of which 282 have been allocated and occupied through a transparent lottery system.
He also expressed gratitude to the legitimate Roadside Hawkers Association for their support of this initiative, which aims to ensure the safety of all road users while also sustaining the livelihoods of the vendors.
The state government has provided relocation assistance to all vendors holding CoVs, which includes a one-time payment of Rs 10,000 and a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 for the subsequent five months.
This support is designed to ease the transition and assist hawkers in re-establishing connections with their customer base, Lyngdoh stated.
While a few stalls remain unoccupied, the government has indicated that no formal complaints regarding the withdrawal of CoVs have been received to date. It was emphasized that every certified vendor will be treated equitably and that any remaining stalls will be addressed accordingly.