Shillong, July 24: The state government has successfully relocated hawkers to the first floor of the MUDA parking lot in Khyndailad, Shillong.

Announcing this on Thursday, MDA government spokesperson and cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh, “In tandem with the district administration, the urban affairs department completed the relocation of all these eligible vendors in the first floor of MUDA parking lot in Khyndailad.”

Terming it as a historic day for the government, Lyngdoh said, “It is indeed a historic day for the government of Meghalaya as you are aware we have been very closely following up the matter relating to the relocation of hawkers and vendors at Khyndailad stretch.”

“It has taken more time than we thought it would but then all is well that ends well and we will be happy to see a brand fresh look and a facelift given to Khyndailad through this process of relocation of vendors,” he added.

Lyngdoh informed that a survey was conducted to identify eligible vendors, with 1,400 street vendors participating. Out of the surveyed vendors, 407 were deemed eligible to receive Certificates of Vending (CoVs), with 311 collecting their certificates.

The allotment of vending stalls was done through a transparent draw of lots, ensuring equal opportunity for all certified vendors.

“Now to facilitate the relocation, 365 vending stalls were constructed out of which as of 282 have been allotted and these have now occupied the various stalls through a transparent draw of lots,” he said while adding “The draw of lots was confined only to the certified vendors and the draw of lot was meant to give them so that nobody could say that anybody was favoured with a space which is at the front or at the back. Everyone was given equal opportunity of being able to be allotted a space through this draw of lots.”

Asked, Lyngdoh said, “We will phase our activities in a manner that we will take up which is the priority area first. So, in our scheme of things the first priority is relocation which we have done successfully.” He also reminded that the exercise was done with the active support and cooperation of all hawkers.

“Initially there was complete resistance even to the idea of shifting. Yesterday you could see there was a queue of hawkers trying to get a space and a stall so it is a major shift from opposing to actually vying that no, no I should get first,” he stated.

Apart from that, the minister stated that the state government has provided a one-time payment of Rs 10,000 and a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 for five months to mitigate any economic losses. He also assured that all necessary facilities would be provided to the relocated vendors.

To another query, Lyngdoh said the government has not received such reports of CoVs being snatched away.

“…but if you look at the figures we still have few stalls left and we will ensure that everyone gets equal treatment and in sync with the principle that the rule of law should prevail,” he maintained.

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