SHILLONG: In a move aiming to bolster the livelihood of street vendors while simultaneously addressing broader civic concerns, the state cabinet gave its nod to the Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme 2023 on Wednesday.
Taking cues from the central Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act of 2014, the state-designed Draft Meghalaya Street Vendors Scheme 2023 received the cabinet’s approval, but with a few amendments.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma shared insights on the decision on a popular micro-blogging platform after the cabinet meeting. “The government envisages to strike a balance between the need of providing livelihood to street vendors and also the need to ensure issues like law & order, decongestion, safety for pedestrians, etc.,” he wrote.
The government’s roadmap includes conducting a comprehensive survey of street vendors. The chief minister added, “We plan to initiate a survey of the street vendors and process the applications based on the criteria laid down and will map out Vending and No Vending Zones. We also plan to provision dedicated vending zones and market spaces to the street vendors.”
Elaborating on the scheme’s highlights, Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh detailed to the press the government’s plan to form a Town Vending Committee. Its primary role would be to identify legal hawkers based through some eligibility criteria in place, and allow them to carry on with vending.
According to Lyngdoh, the key criteria for vendors include possessing an EPIC (Election Photo Identity Card) issued by the Election Commission of India, along with a certificate proving a minimum of 3 years of residence in Meghalaya. Additionally, vendors should have been operating at a specific location for at least 6 months.
Furthermore, vendors should hold a valid trade license for areas outside the jurisdiction of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), expanding the scope for vending activities.
Lyngdoh also added that the scheme’s formulation involved extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including the KHADC (Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council), KSU (Khasi Students’ Union), Rangbah Shnongs (local headmen), hawkers’ associations, and others.
