SHILLONG: Nearly 100 street vendors operating along the footpaths of Laitumkhrah, Shillong, have voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision to relocate them to Brightwell Bungalow-Barik.
The vendors contend that the proposed site is far removed from their primary area of business in Laitumkhrah. After inspecting the site, they described it as unsuitable, lacking proper structure or clarity, and resembling a place meant for keeping animals—not for lawful business.
Dispince Synnah, Vice President of the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MAGSPHASVA), said that vendors operating in Laitumkhrah should be allotted spaces near Laitumkhrah itself, pointing out that the Laitumkhrah Market has adequate capacity.
She urged the government to follow precedents set in other areas, such as providing space for Civil Hospital footpath vendors near Civil Hospital and relocating PB footpath vendors below the MUDA complex. Synnah alleged that the government’s approach appears discriminatory toward Laitumkhrah vendors.
On the matter of the Certificate of Vending (COV), Synnah explained that vendors were not initially told they would be assigned sites at Brightwell Bungalow-Barik or Dhanketi.
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She noted that vendors accepted the COVs under government pressure, believing they would receive space within Laitumkhrah. She criticized the government for changing the arrangement after vendors had already invested time and money in the process.
She further emphasized that street vendors are honest workers earning their livelihood through hard work. Synnah called on the government to focus on real social issues, such as the drug menace, which is destroying young lives and causing distress to families.
She added that all street vendors are willing to come together and pay a daily tax, even up to ₹50 per day, provided they are allowed to conduct their business lawfully and in a suitable location.
(4FrontMedia news)
