SHILLONG, July 16: The Town Vending Committee (TVC) has directed all eligible street vendors operating in Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti, Malki Point, Laban, Red Cross, Barik, Phannonglait Park, Lumshatsngi, and Rilbong to relocate to the notified vending zones by August 17.
It warned that failure to comply will invite action under the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the Chairperson of the Town Vending Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), Prafulla Kr. Boro said the in-situ survey of street vendors was conducted under the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023.
The survey, completed in January 2024, was followed by the disposal of claims and objections before the final list of eligible vendors was approved by the Provisional TVC.
Based on the committee’s recommendation, the state government notified two vending zones—the SMB Parking Lot at Dhankheti and the Compound of Brightwell Bungalow—through a notification issued on April 15.
The notice said the local authority completed the development of vending spaces and basic amenities at both locations, making them ready for occupation. It also reminded vendors that, under a separate government notification issued on February 20, the roads in Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti, Malki Point, Barik, Phannonglait Park, Red Cross, Laban, and Lumshatsngi have been declared “No Vending Zones” in the interest of smooth traffic flow and public convenience. Consequently, street vending in these areas is prohibited.
All vendors holding valid Certificates of Vending were directed to shift to the designated vending zones by August 17.
The notice warned that vendors who fail to comply will face action under the Street Vendors Scheme, while goods found being sold or displayed in the notified no-vending zones after the deadline will be removed in accordance with the law.
