Shillong, Aug 18: The Urban Affairs Department has chosen to ignore the significant protests by street hawkers against their enforced removal from different parts of the city and claim that the vendors have “willingly relocated”.
In a press release today, the department gave itself a pat on the back for “successfully” relocating 750 hawkers from 13 different spots along roadsides in the city to designated areas.
Hawkers, such as those represented by the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) are not against relocation per se but have argued that the government’s efforts to move its members does not follow the law, specifically the Street Vendors Act 2014. Many eligible hawkers have not been given Certificates of Vending (CoVs) and some vendors have lost significant income after being moved as their designated areas do not see the same level of foot traffic.
The Urban Affairs press release completely ignored all of this, instead claiming that the designated areas are safer for hawkers and provide them with toilets and adequate lighting.
“The department is pleased to note that the vendors have willingly relocated to the designated vending spaces without the need for strict enforcement measures,” it added.
Indeed, the demolition of hawkers’ stalls in Laitumkhrah recently did pass off peacefully, accompanied by the presence of a large number of police personnel.
Before the authorities moved against the Laitumkhrah hawkers, the MGSPHSVA had undertaken several days of protest near the office of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), where they had demanded a halt to the drive and alternate arrangements before removal.
