The Meghalaya Government has stepped up its effort to reorganise street vending in Shillong, with 750 eligible vendors from several major commercial stretches relocated to designated vending zones under the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023. The exercise, facilitated by the Urban Affairs Department (UAD) in collaboration with the East Khasi Hills district administration, aims to provide organised vending spaces while protecting the livelihoods of street vendors.
The latest phase covers vendors operating along the Laitumkhrah Junction towards Beat House and in Dhankheti. They have been shifted to the Dhankheti Parking Lot and Brightwell Bungalow premises, where newly constructed vending stalls are operational.
The relocation details are: Khyndailad — 387 vendors relocated to the MUDA Parking Lot; Quinton Road — 3 to the parking lot opposite SBI; Civil Hospital — 29 to Barik Compound; Polo — 48 to the Polo Hawkers Market behind Majestic Hotel; Dhankheti-Malki — 8 to the Dhankheti Parking Lot; Laitumkhrah — 85 to the Dhankheti Parking Lot and Brightwell Bungalow; Governor’s House — 2 to the parking lot opposite SBI; Jail Road — 95 to the parking lot opposite SBI and Polo Hawkers Market behind Majestic Hotel; Laban, Barik, Lumshatsngi and Red Cross — 90 to Brightwell Bungalow and the parking lot opposite SBI; and Lachumiere — 3 to Brightwell Bungalow. The total stands at 750 vendors relocated out of 750 covered by Certificates of Vending.
The Urban Affairs Department, in a press statement said, “The newly established vending zones have been designed to provide vendors with safe and secure spaces to conduct their livelihood activities.” The zones have basic amenities including toilets, lighting and improved accessibility.
The department said the relocation followed consultations with vendor associations and stakeholders and was carried out in accordance with the law. It said, “The entire process was undertaken in accordance with the provisions of law, with due consideration to the concerns, livelihoods and dignity of the vendors, and with the active participation of all stakeholders.”
The department also said, “The Department is pleased to note that the vendors have willingly relocated to the designated vending spaces without the need for strict enforcement measures.”
To ease the transition, the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant will provide vendors holding a valid Certificate of Vending ₹20,000 in relocation assistance, comprising ₹10,000 upfront and ₹2,000 monthly for the subsequent five months.
The relocation marks a major step in restructuring street vending in Shillong while seeking to improve urban management and safeguard the livelihoods and dignity of vendors.
Meghalaya Govt relocates 750 street vendors to designated vending zones in Shillong
