By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 24: Crying foul over what it described as unjustified delays in issuing Certificates of Vending (CoVs) to about 70 of its members, the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors’ Association (MGSPHSVA) on Wednesday lodged a complaint with the Chief Executive Officer of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB).
The association alleged that many genuine hawkers, despite being in the trade for years, have been excluded from the process due to errors, discrepancies, and possible irregularities.
MGSPHSVA invitee member Angela Rangad told reporters that several hawkers have been unable to vend for more than two-and-a-half months as they await their CoVs. “We had suggested that hawkers should not be shifted until everyone is issued certificates. As we feared, the process has now been dragged out, leaving many without their livelihoods,” she said.
Rangad pointed out lapses in the functioning of the Probationary Town Vending Committee (PTVC) and its subcommittee, including the publication of lists with inconsistencies.
“In the August 22 subcommittee meeting, the list published was different from the one being used. Close to 100 names were missing. Some names appeared despite the individuals never being surveyed, while genuine hawkers were marked as absent or not surveyed,” she alleged.
The association also questioned the inclusion of individuals reportedly related to office-bearers of another organisation in the “recommended” list, while long-time vendors were left out.
“Such arbitrary actions raise serious concerns of corruption. We demand an inquiry into whether monetary benefits have influenced the process,” Rangad said.
She further criticised the manner in which the SMB published names on August 15, a holiday, in only two newspapers, making it difficult for hawkers to access information.
“This entire process lacks transparency and accountability, which is the very principle we have stood for in the past decade,” she added.
The MGSPHSVA maintained that hawking is the only source of livelihood for many families and expressed concern over the timing of the disruption.
“With Durga Puja approaching, followed by the festive season till Christmas, hawkers usually earn additional income to survive the lean months. But from June till now, their livelihoods have been completely disrupted, causing real distress,” Rangad said.
The association urged the state government and the SMB to immediately clear the backlog and ensure that genuine hawkers are issued their CoVs without further delay.
“This prolonged disruption has pushed many into distress,” she said, while questioning the government for its failure to ensure the livelihood of 60 to 70 genuine vendors, who are simply trying to earn an honest living.
