Hawkers’ Relocation Issue: Govt Not Evicting Hawkers, Providing Them With Suitable Spaces, Says Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar

Dy CM said, the enforcement drive is being carried out in line with a court order and is intended to place hawkers in designated areas.

With the July 22 deadline fast approaching, the Meghalaya Government is standing firm on its decision to relocate hawkers from the congested Khyndailad area to designated vending zones.

Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has assured that no hawker will be left to fend for themselves as it moves forward with the relocation process, which it says is being done in accordance with a High Court order.

While speaking to media, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar said the government is not evicting hawkers but is instead providing them with alternative spaces, such as the MUDA complex, which is suitable for commercial purposes.

He said the enforcement drive is being carried out in line with a court order and is intended to place hawkers in designated areas.

The objective of the relocation drive for hawkers is to benefit them and to keep the city neat and clean.
Dhar said, “Government will do its own job. We are just doing the enforcement drive only to place and put our people in the right direction because we are trying our best. This is in line with the court order. Moreover, all of us want our city to be neat and clean. Yes, we have to respect pedestrians and other road users.”

“As a government, we are trying to do it in such a manner that we are not throwing our people out. We are giving them a good place in the MUDA complex, which is good for commercial purposes. They have requested us not to put them in a place where there is no commercial activity. We accepted that and we are doing as per their request.”

He expressed confidence that hawkers will cooperate with the government and relocate to designated areas by the July 22 deadline. However, he warned that if they fail to comply, the law will take its own course.

“I have full confidence that they will cooperate with the government and if not, law will take its own course. It is as simple as that,” he stated, while maintaining that the government is determined to follow the High Court order.

Regarding the fate of hawkers without a Certificate of Vending, Dhar said the government will address the issue in due course. He assured that the government is serious about resolving the issue.
In a city that is grappling with traffic chaos and overcrowded footpaths, authorities say the move is essential to restore public space for pedestrians and vehicles alike.
Following an enforcement drive by the Shillong Municipal Board, several hawkers have kept their shops closed.

Interestingly, a good number of hawkers admitted they do not possess a Meghalaya-issued Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC). When questioned, they revealed they hail from other states and, as such, have not received the mandatory Certificate of Vending (CoV).

Also Read: Meghalaya Dy CM Prestone Tynsong Urges HNLC Cadres to Shun Path of Violence and Join Mainstream

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