407 vendors identified as eligible in Khyndailad area

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 2, 2025

A total of 407 out of 457 vendors were identified as eligible vendors in the Khyndailad area, as per the survey conducted by the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC).

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner & Secretary in-charge Urban Affairs, the distribution process for Certificates of Vending (CoVs) started on June 2, 2025, and as of now, a total of 251 CoVs have been issued to eligible vendors.

The PTVC has issued a public notice requesting vendors without valid CoVs to vacate their occupied spaces within three days, and the commencement of relocation for CoV holders will take effect from July 22, 2025.

A public announcement was carried out from June 25-28 and enforcement exercise to vacate spaces of vendors without CoVs began on June 30.

The department noted that the regulation of street vending is a complex task that requires collective effort from the Shillong Municipal Board, the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, and the Police Department.

The enforcement exercise initiated in Khyndailad marks the beginning of a sustained effort to relocate all surveyed eligible vendors to designated vending zones.

The department has formulated a scheme to provide a relocation allowance of Rs 20,000 to vendors holding a valid CoV, comprising an upfront payment of Rs 10,000 and a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 for the next five months.

The entire process of enforcement exercise and regulation of street vending is being monitored by High Court, as mandated by Public Interest Litigations (PILs) concerning street vendors and traffic congestion, it said while adding that the exercise aimed at protecting the livelihoods of street vendors while promoting a more organized and accessible urban environment for all,

The Provisional Town Vending Committee has conducted an in-situ digital survey for existing vendors within the Municipal area, as per the provisions of the Scheme.

The survey was carried out in a phased manner, starting with a pilot survey in Khyndailad on December 4, 2023, and thereafter across 22 other locations, which was completed by January 16, 2024.

A total of 1,400 vendors were surveyed, out of which 760 were found to be eligible vendors. The Khyndailad area has been selected for the first phase of implementation, where the exercise of disposal of claims and objections was taken up.

A Sub-committee was constituted to conduct hearings, which were held on February 28, March 3, and March 4, 2025. A total of 87 claims were received, out of which 62 were verified, and 25 vendors were absent.

An opportunity for hearing was also given to the absentees on April 25, 2025, and disposed of on May 8, 2025. This marks a significant step towards implementing the Scheme and regulating street vending in the Municipal area.