SHILLONG, JUL 28: Street vendors from Polo and Jail Road areas have begun operating from newly designated vending zones in Shillong as the Urban Affairs Department pushes ahead with the relocation drive under the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said vendors previously operating along Jail Road, from OB Shopping Mall to Petrol Pump, have been shifted to the vending zone at the Parking Lot opposite SBI. Those from Polo have been relocated to the zone near Matri Mandir.
“The vendors have commenced their business activities from the newly constructed vending stalls,” the statement said.
According to the department, the Matri Mandir zone has a capacity of 132 stalls, of which 70 are currently occupied. The Parking Lot opposite SBI has 79 stalls, with 9 currently occupied.
The relocation process is ongoing, and 22 vendors from Secretariat Hills and IGP Junction are scheduled to move to the SBI Parking Lot zone on 29th July 2025.
The Urban Affairs Department said the exercise was carried out through “extensive consultations and coordination” with stakeholders.
In Polo alone, the Town Vending Committee held 29 formal meetings with vendor associations before implementation.
“The Department is pleased to note that the vendors have willingly relocated to the designated vending spaces without any strict enforcement,” it added.
Recognizing the transition burden, the government has announced financial support for registered vendors.
“Under the scheme, vendors holding a valid Certificate of Vending (CoV) will receive a relocation assistance package of ₹20,000, comprising an upfront payment of ₹10,000 and a monthly allowance of ₹2,000 for the subsequent five months,” the statement said.
The Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant was announced by the Chief Minister to support vendors during the transition.
So far, 65 CoVs have been issued for the Parking Lot opposite SBI and 106 CoVs for the vending zone near Matri Mandir, Polo.
The department appreciated the cooperation of vendors, the Town Vending Committee, Deputy Commissioner’s office, Shillong Municipal Board, Shillong Traffic Police and vendor associations for ensuring a smooth relocation “with due regard to the dignity and livelihoods of the vendors.”
The department said the relocation process will commence in Laitumkhrah from 17th August 2025.
It expects all eligible and registered vendors within the Shillong Municipal area to be accommodated in designated vending spaces by the end of September 2025.
“Thereafter, notified no vending zones will be strictly enforced in accordance with the law. This will significantly reduce congestion, improve pedestrian movement and contribute to a more organized urban environment,” the statement said.
By Our Reporter
