In an effort to ease the relocation process, the Meghalaya government has announced financial support for street vendors who agree to shift from Khyndailad to the newly designated vending zone at MTC premises. Tourism Minister and Government Spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh informed that each vendor will receive a one-time relocation grant of 10,000. Additionally, to support vendors during the transition period, the government will provide ₹2,000 per month for five months to those who begin operating from the new site.
This assistance is intended to help vendors manage expenses while settling into their new space. Addressing the ongoing resistance from some vendor groups, Lyngdoh alleged that certain leaders are opposing the government’s relocation plan due to personal motives, suggesting that “something is brewing behind the scenes” within a section of the leadership.
Reacting to the protest held at the Secretariat gate by street vendors on Tuesday, Lyngdoh made it clear that the government will not tolerate any violation of the law. He said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) has been invoked, which prohibits unlawful public gatherings.