Shillong, Aug 5: Seventeen vendors have received a one-time relocation allowance of Rs 10,000 each as part of the government’s support initiative.
These vendors were recently shifted from Khyndailad to the MUDA Complex after getting a certificate of vending. Earlier, the government had announced that a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 for a period of five months for a total of Rs 20,000 will be paid to the licensed vendors.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh distributed the relocation allowance cheques.
Dhar said, “Though there have been some challenges in the beginning while relocating, but in the end it was successful. We are trying to put the vendors in the right place and location.”
He said he has instructed officials to ensure that the vending zones should be clean, equipped with better facilities such as water connection and electricity.
He further emphasised that it is a collective responsibility to bring about meaningful change in Shillong and thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the relocation process.
Lyngdoh described the day as memorable as the State has made significant progress in making the city pedestrian-friendly.
He said that the government has started construction work for 15 washrooms.
As part of the larger urban renewal and beautification drive, the government has identified areas such as the MUDA parking lot and the municipal parking space opposite the SBI Main Branch as official vending zones.
The department said the government is taking significant steps to regulate street vending and ensure better urban management in Shillong. As part of this larger vision, the government has decided to relocate over 400 eligible street vendors to designated vending zones across the city, it said.
