Shillong, July 16: Special Officer appointed by the Meghalaya High Court Subhasis Chakrawarty on Wednesday asked the district administration of East Khasi Hills District to proceed with the relocation process of hawkers and street vendors at Khyndailad area as per the court’s directives.
Speaking to media persons after convene a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Chakrawarty said the meeting saw a fruitful discussion among the parties on how to proceed with the relocation process and issuance of Certificates of Vending (CoVs).
“So, the administration will now go ahead (with the relocation process) in accordance with the decisions taken in this matter,” he added.
To a query, the special officer expressed a wait-and-watch approach, saying “Let us see how it goes ahead. We will come to know about it as things progress”.
The meeting was attended by officials of the district administration, Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), members of the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC) and members of the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA).
Earlier on July 13, the special officer had advised the district administration against carrying out an eviction drive against hawkers at Khyndailad citing the High Court’s order dated July 3, which directed the preparation of a list of authorized or licensed vendors in consultation with the Hawkers’ Association and local authorities.
The list, as per the High Court’s direction, has not been prepared yet, leaving the status of street hawkers in the area undetermined.
The special officer in his letter to the deputy commissioner had argued that any eviction drive at this stage would be a clear violation of the High Court’s order.
In its order passed on July 3, the High Court had stated: “(ii) Under the Special Officer and in consultation with the General Secretary, Hawkers’ Association, the local and police authorities will prepare a list of authorised or licensed vendors which are stated to be around 349.”
The court had directed that licensed vendors will be allowed to vend merchandise in the Police Bazar area for limited hours (12:30 pm to 2 pm and 7:30 pm to 9 pm), subject to their undertaking not to exceed the time limit and disrupt traffic flow or human movement. Unlicensed vendors will not be allowed to sell goods in the area.
The court had also directed that hawkers will shift to alternative vending areas once provided by the local authority, and other hawkers can apply for valid licenses.
The Special Officer has been directed to ensure peaceful implementation of the court’s orders and submit a report by August 5, 2025.
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