Meghalaya CM urges vendors' cooperation for inclusive public space
Shillong, Aug 12
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday reviewed the ongoing rehabilitation of street vendors at the newly established Polo Vendors' Market here and said cooperation among all stakeholders was essential to create safer and more inclusive public spaces in Shillong.
Interacting with vendors after inspecting the market, Sangma said the relocation initiative was aimed at ensuring that "the general public can walk freely", while simultaneously protecting the livelihoods of vendors through financial and infrastructural support. He appealed to vendors and the public to cooperate with the government during the transition, adding, "This is the best way for us all to move together and move forward as a society."
Acknowledging that relocation could create challenges for vendors, Sangma said solutions could be found only by cooperating and working with each other. He also indicated that similar support could be extended to people in other areas as the government continues its urban rehabilitation efforts.
Under the Chief Minister's Urban Livelihood Grant (CM ULG), vendors possessing a valid Certificate of Vending (CoV) are eligible for assistance of Rs 20,000. This includes an immediate payment of Rs 10,000 followed by monthly support of Rs 2,000 for five months. A total of 65 CoVs have been issued for the vending zone opposite SBI, while 106 have been issued for the vending zone near Matri Mandir.
The Polo Vendors' Market has been established on a 2,270‑square‑metre site, with the vending area covering 620 square metres. It has 132 stalls, of which 48 are earmarked for vendors relocated from Polo and 84 for those from Jail Road. So far, 72 vendors have taken possession of their allotted stalls.
Sangma also visited different sections of the market and interacted directly with vendors to understand their business conditions following the relocation.
The rehabilitation is being carried out under the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023, with the government seeking to ease pedestrian movement, reduce traffic congestion and create safer public spaces in busy commercial areas.
The market provides basic civic facilities, including toilets, LED lighting in stalls and halogen lamps, with designated spaces for vendors selling vegetables, fruits, garments, fast food, fish, chicken and other goods.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see a CM personally visiting vendors and inspecting the market. This is how governance should work - not just passing orders from office. The monthly installment plan of Rs 2,000 for 5 months will help vendors settle in without too much financial stress. 👍
The concept is good but 65 certificates for one zone and 106 for another - are they sure the stall allocation matches the demand? 48 stalls for Polo and 84 for Jail Road vendors, yet only 72 have taken possession so far. Let's hope the transition is smoother for those still deciding.
As someone who's been to Shillong, the footpath vendors near SBI were definitely causing congestion. This is a balanced approach - protecting livelihoods while making public spaces safer. The designated areas for different goods (fish, vegetables, fast food) is a thoughtful touch.
Respectful criticism: While the initiative is commendable, I wish the government had consulted vendors more thoroughly before relocation. Some long-time street vendors might lose their regular customers. The support money helps, but customer loyalty and location advantage matter too. Let's hope the government continues to listen and address such concerns.
"Move together and move forward as a society" - beautifully said CM Sangma. This is what inclusive development looks like. The 2,270 sq meter market with proper facilities shows the government's commitment. Shillong deserves more such well-planned public spaces. 🌟
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