SHILLONG, April 21: The Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (M&GSPH&SVA) has taken exception to the surprise inspection against hawkers and street vendors in Iewduh conducted on Thursday by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and have written to Chief Executive Member Titosstarwell Chyne questioning the decision of the council to evict the hawkers by making reference to an earlier order of the High Court of Meghalaya.
Defending the inspective conducted by KHADC officials, Chyne said he was aware of the high court order. “But the association needs to understand that we are not saying that they should not operate their business. We are merely asking them to obtain the trading licence from the council as mandated by the law,” Chyne said.
The inspection was carried out by Chyne along with Executive Member in-charge market Grace Mary Kharbuki, Executive Member in-charge Trade Rangkynsai Kharbuki, Syiem of Mylliem Ainam Sing Syiem, Myntris and personnel of the Enforcement Wing of the KHADC
The KHADC CEM also expressed surprise over the reaction of former Myntri and MLA, Mohendro Rapsang to the surprise inspection on Thursday.
Rapsang had questioned the presence of the KHADC CEM during the inspection and had wondered if it was necessary for the top bosses who head the two institutions (KHADC and Hima) to go to the field to carry out an inspection.
“Do they not have the staff of the Enforcement Wing and the Myntris to do all this work or does it mean that they have incompetent people working under them?” the former MLA had questioned.
Reacting sharply to Rapsang’s question, Chyne stated that if the chief minister of state can go for an inspection of the Assembly or road projects, he as the head of the autonomous district council can inspect Iewduh.
“We had gone there to show our responsibility. I think we should not be happy sitting in our offices,” the CEM said.
He also objected to the question being raised on the competency of the Enforcement Wing. “If we don’t lead by example then how will the staff be motivated,” Chyne said.
The KHADC chief also made it clear that non-tribal traders, including hawkers and street vendors, cannot carry out any business activity without a trading licence.
Chyne referred to the Khasi Hills District (Trading by Non-Tribals) Rules, 1959 and said the rules are very clear that trading licence is required whether for setting up of industries, opening of shops or even in the case of hawking.
According to him, people who are conducting business selling items out of a vehicle or even those who sell ice-cream from a cart are also required to obtain a trading licence and any kind of business without a trading licence will be deemed illegal.
He further informed that the council will issue show cause notices to all non-tribal traders operating without trading licence.
“We can even go to the extent of closing down their shops or business if they fail to response to the show cause notices,” Chyne said, while making it clear that there will be regular checking of trading licences in future.
