Meghalaya Moves Shillong Street Vendors to New Zones

Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched the relocation of street vendors on July 28. Workers are moving from Polo and Jail Road to new, designated vending zones. These sites sit at the parking lot opposite SBI and near Matri Mandir in Polo. The transition falls under the Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme.

Vendors want order. The state held extensive talks with stakeholders to ensure the shift stayed voluntary, respectful, and smooth. To assist during the move, the government introduced the Chief Minister's Urban Livelihood Grant. This provides cash to vendors shifting into the new spots.

The goal is a cleaner city. Officials aim to cut traffic jams and clear paths for pedestrians. This is part of a broad plan to balance urban development with informal work. "Our efforts to create a cleaner, safer and more organized Shillong are moving forward while protecting the dignity and livelihoods of our street vendors," Sangma stated on X.