SHILLONG, AUG 16: The Meghalaya High Court on Tuesday directed the state government to look into the issue of hawkers taking over footpaths and the alleged paying of fees to private persons as protection money to set up shop.

In its order passed, while hearing a petition on this matter, the two-member bench also decided to defer the hearing to August 24, after the state said that the formulation of its rules (to regulate street vending) has not yet been completed.

The order, however, said the court takes a dim view of hawkers taking over footpaths and pedestrian walkways virtually all over Shillong and Tura, the two main cities in the State and even elsewhere. It said there are also reports of hawkers being required to pay fees to private persons to set up shop, almost by way of protection money.

Accordingly, the court has directed the state to look into this matter. “The State is urged to look into this matter and deal with it with appropriate strictness,” it said.

The petition was filed by the Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers & Street Vendors Association (M&GSPH&SVA).

Welcoming the court order, general secretary of the association Shane Thabah said the association has been struggling both within the court system as well as interacting with the government for the last six years, asking for regulation of vending as per law, so that hawking and street vending can be carried out harmoniously with various urban stakeholders.

“We have submitted draft model rules to the govt on several occasions and hope these will be referred to. These rules will ensure proper implementation of the law like constitution of a participatory Town Vending Committee, Fixing a holding Capacity, In situ survey of hawkers, identification of vending zones in natural and heritage markets and issuing of vending licenses,” he said.

He said the Association also welcomed the court’s observations regarding street vendors sometimes being made to pay money to set up their shop.

“We as an association, right from our inception have tried to question and resist this illegality and extortionate practice. With proper licensing of vending, this illegal practice will also be curtailed,” he asserted.

Thabah said the association will collaborate with the government to ensure proper implementation of the central act and rules so that Shillong can chart a course between livelihood and pro people urban amenities and an inclusive shillong and other district town centers that supports life and livelihoods for all.