Shillong, Nov 14: Vendors relocated from Laitumkhrah and other areas to Brightwell Bungalow at Barik in September have alleged that the Rs 20,000 assistance promised to them under the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant has not been released, even as they struggle with poor business at the new location.
The vendors were among more than 750 hawkers shifted in phases to new vending zones under the Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme, 2023. In the final phase on September 17, vendors from Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti, Malki, Barik, Laban and Last Stop were shifted to Brightwell Campus Hawkers Market and the Shillong Municipal Board parking facility at Dhankheti. In all, 138 vendors were accommodated at Brightwell Campus.
On September 14, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, in the presence of Minister Sanbor Shullai and East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, handed over cheques of Rs 20,000 each to the hawkers. Under the scheme, each vendor holding a valid Certificate of Vending was to receive Rs 10,000 upfront through Direct Benefit Transfer and Rs 2,000 per month for the next five months.
The vendors alleged on Saturday that they have not received any amount so far, despite lack of customers and business at the new location. They said the distribution of cheques was only a means to make them move, and that they are now facing severe difficulties.
They said they are still discussing the matter and may decide to go on an agitation if their dues are not released soon.
