Shillong, Jul 24:The state government has informed that out of the total of 407 vendors who were found eligible for a Certificate of Vending (CoV), 311 have collected their CoVs.
As per an Urban Affairs Department statement, 282 stalls have been allotted and occupied through a transparent draw of lots.
“To facilitate the relocation, 365 vending stalls were constructed on the first floor of the MUDA parking lot,” the government stated.
In addition, the government stated that it is providing a relocation allowance to vendors holding a valid CoV which includes a one-time payment of Rs 10,000 and a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 for a period of five months for a total of Rs 20,000.
The Urban Affairs Department also claims that, in collaboration with the East Khasi Hills district administration, it has successfully accomplished the relocation of street vendors from Khyndailad to the first floor of the MUDA parking lot.
“This follows an extensive process of consultations with the Town Vending Committee. The achievement was made possible through the positive participation of the street vendors, who played a central role throughout the process,” the department stated.
The government also stade that in line with the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023, a detailed survey of 1,400 street vendors within the Shillong Municipal Board was carried out and as part of the first phase, the Urban Affairs Department prioritized the relocation of vendors from Khyndailad.
The department stated that this initiative marks the beginning of a broader effort, which will be expanded to other localities across Shillong.
“The relocation process will continue in phases until all registered and eligible vendors are accommodated in officially notified vending zones,” the release added.
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After nearly two years of groundwork, the state government has completed the first phase of relocating hawkers and street vendors from the congested Khyndailad area, giving the popular commercial stretch in Shillong a major facelift.
Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh said the process was long and challenging but ended successfully, with visible improvements now apparent in the area.
The relocation began with a detailed survey of 1,400 street vendors, out of which 407 were found eligible to receive the Certificate of Vending (CoV). Eligibility was based on proof of residence in Meghalaya for at least three years and a minimum of six months of vending activity in the area prior to the survey. So far, 311 vendors have collected their CoVs, and 282 have been allotted stalls at the first floor of the MUDA parking lot through a draw of lots. A total of 365 stalls were constructed for the purpose.
The minister clarified that the draw of lots was conducted fairly to ensure equal treatment for all certified vendors and to remove any perception of bias in space allocation. He also thanked the Shillong Roadside Hawkers Association for supporting the initiative, which aims to ease traffic congestion, enhance public safety and safeguard the livelihoods of the vendors.
Lyngdoh acknowledged that basic amenities are yet to be fully in place but assured that all necessary facilities will be provided within the five-month buffer period. The Town Vending Committee and Shillong Municipal Board are reviewing the progress on a daily basis to ensure the successful completion of the relocation, he added.
The minister further stated that no reports of COVs being snatched or denied have been received. Any remaining eligible vendors will be accommodated in due time following the same rule-of-law principles. He expressed satisfaction that the entire relocation exercise was carried out without any major law and order issues despite initial resistance from hawkers, many of whom later welcomed the move.
As part of the next phase, the government will identify residents with homes in the area and issue passes after verification. Entry and exit timings for the entry from Khyndailad to Dreamland will be regulated accordingly. While concerns about the future of street food and nightlife in the area were raised, the minister said such aspects will be addressed in subsequent phases.
Following the Khyndailad success, the state government now plans to replicate the model in other commercial or densely populated areas of Shillong based on their economic importance and the level of street congestion.
