The Meghalaya Government has stepped up the implementation of its street vending policy in Shillong by relocating vendors from the Polo and Jail Road areas to designated vending zones, paving the way for the strict enforcement of notified no-vending zones after September. The Urban Affairs Department, in collaboration with the East Khasi Hills district administration, said the exercise forms part of the implementation of the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023, aimed at protecting vendors’ livelihoods while ensuring a more organised and pedestrian-friendly urban environment.
Continuing the relocation drive initiated at Khyndailad and Civil Hospital, vendors operating along Jail Road, from OB Shopping Mall to the Petrol Pump (MTC Complex), have been shifted to the designated vending zone at the Parking Lot opposite SBI, where they have already begun business from newly constructed stalls. The Department said the designated vending zone near Matri Mandir, Polo, has a capacity of 132 stalls, of which 70 are currently occupied. The designated vending zone at the Parking Lot opposite SBI has a capacity of 79 stalls, with nine stalls currently occupied as the relocation process continues. It added that 22 vendors from Secretariat Hills and IGP Junction are scheduled to relocate to the designated vending zone at the Parking Lot opposite SBI on July 29, 2025.
The Department said the relocation exercise followed an extensive consultative process involving multiple stakeholders. In the case of Polo, the Town Vending Committee conducted 29 formal meetings with vendor associations and other stakeholders before implementation. It stated that the entire exercise was carried out in accordance with the provisions of law while safeguarding the concerns, livelihoods and dignity of street vendors through active stakeholder participation.
The Department stated, “The Department is pleased to note that the vendors have willingly relocated to the designated vending spaces without any strict enforcement. The newly constructed vending stalls provide a more organized and suitable environment for vendors to conduct their business activities. The positive response from vendors reflects their cooperation and active participation throughout the process.”
Appreciating the cooperation extended by vendors and stakeholders, the Department stated, “The Urban Affairs Department places on record its appreciation for the positive participation of the vendors, whose cooperation has been central to the success of the relocation process. The Department also acknowledges the dedicated efforts of the Town Vending Committee, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shillong Municipal Board, Shillong Traffic Police, vendor associations and all stakeholders involved. Their collaborative efforts have ensured that the relocation has been carried out smoothly and with due regard to the dignity and livelihoods of the vendors.”
Recognising the inconvenience caused by the relocation, the Department recalled that the Chief Minister had announced the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant to support vendors shifting to designated vending spaces. Under the scheme, vendors holding a valid Certificate of Vending (CoV) will receive a relocation assistance package of ₹20,000, comprising an upfront payment of ₹10,000 and a monthly allowance of ₹2,000 for the subsequent five months. A total of 65 Certificates of Vending have been issued for the Parking Lot opposite SBI, while 106 Certificates of Vending have been issued for the vending zone near Matri Mandir, Polo.
The Department announced that the relocation process in Laitumkhrah will commence from August 17, 2025, and stated, “The Department will commence the relocation process in Laitumkhrah from 17th August 2025 and remains optimistic that all eligible and registered vendors within the Shillong Municipal area will be accommodated in designated vending spaces by the end of September 2025. Thereafter, notified no vending zones will be strictly enforced in accordance with the law. This will significantly reduce congestion, improve pedestrian movement and contribute to a more organized urban environment.”
