The government’s move to provide organised vending spaces at prime locations in Shillong is expected to benefit street vendors by giving them designated spaces to carry out their businesses while also helping improve the city’s overall appearance and management.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the initiative involved balancing the livelihood of vendors with the need for better urban planning and beautification. He said the move was made possible through the cooperation of various stakeholders.
“Let me reiterate, this would not have been possible without the cooperation of every single stakeholder,” Sangma said, adding that while the step may appear small, it was among the more challenging decisions faced by the government as it was directly linked to people’s livelihoods and the beautification of the city.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that the site being used for the initiative was earlier the official bungalow of the Urban Affairs Minister. He said the minister had agreed to surrender the space so that it could be used for the benefit of citizens, particularly vendors.
“I thank the Urban Affairs Minister for his graciousness, for his large-heartedness, for ensuring that we keep our priorities clear in front of us,” Sangma said.
Sangma said similar prime locations had been made available to vendors at different places, as the government seeks to organise vending activities while maintaining public spaces and improving the overall appearance of Shillong.