Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: Shillong officials moved more than 750 street vendors into new designated zones. The city wants to manage crowds and protect jobs. This effort follows the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023. The East Khasi Hills district administration helped lead the shift.
The Urban Affairs Department tallied the numbers by location. They moved 387 vendors from Khyndailad and 95 from Jail Road. Another 90 came from Laban, Barik, Lumshatsngi, and Red Cross. Crews also cleared 85 from Laitumkhrah, 48 from Polo, and 29 from the Civil Hospital area. Eight vendors left Dhankheti-Malki. Officials also moved businesses from Quinton Road, Governor's House, and Lachumiere.
Vendors now work in spots like the MUDA and Dhankheti parking lots. Other sites include the Brightwell Bungalow, the parking lot opposite SBI, and the Polo Hawkers Market behind the Majestic Hotel. The Brightwell site opened after the deputy chief minister moved out. The stalls have new toilets and lights. Officials claim this process was smooth. "Vendors moved to the designated areas voluntarily, and no strict enforcement measures were required," the department stated.
The Town Vending Committee met with vendor groups to coordinate the change. Now, those holding a valid Certificate of Vending get a cash boost. The Chief Minister's Urban Livelihood Grant provides Rs 20,000 to eligible sellers. This includes a flat Rs 10,000 payment plus Rs 2,000 monthly for five months. The government hopes this makes public spaces easier to use while keeping local trade alive.
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