By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 14: The Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) on Tuesday strongly opposed several “unilateral” and “illegal” proposals discussed during the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC) meeting. The association warned that these moves undermine the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
Speaking to reporters, MGSPHSVA advisor Angela Rangad pointed out that despite a legal mandate for a full-fledged Town Vending Committee (TVC) with 50 per cent hawker representation, Meghalaya continues to operate with only a provisional body. She noted that while the association has cooperated in good faith, the PTVC’s role is primarily to conduct surveys and initiate elections for a proper TVC.
Rangad raised concerns over developments in Laitumkhrah, where the Dorbar Shnong allegedly withdrew previously identified vending locations, including stretches from Fire Brigade to Nongthymmai and the area near the health complex.
“No single authority can override a collective decision taken by the PTVC,” Rangad asserted, adding that any move to denotify Laitumkhrah as a vending zone without consensus would be illegal.
The association also rejected a proposal to relocate hawkers to the historic Brightwell Bungalow in Barik, citing the need to preserve the site’s heritage. “This is a public space that belongs to the citizens and should not be converted into a market,” she said.
Regarding the Anjalee parking lot, Rangad stated that while the association agreed to move local vendors to the ground floor, they oppose shifting all vendors to the first floor. She emphasised that vendors should not be moved far from their original places of work, as it directly threatens their livelihoods.
Rangad further cautioned against attempts to “sanitise” Shillong by removing vendors under the guise of easing traffic congestion, suggesting instead that authorities focus on improving public transport. She urged the government to respect due process and ensure all decisions regarding vending zones are made collectively within the framework of the law.
