Shillong, July 29: The Urban Affairs Department, in collaboration with the District Administration of East Khasi Hills, has successfully facilitated the relocation of street vendors from the Polo and Jail Road areas as part of the ongoing implementation of the Meghalaya Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Scheme, 2023.
Continuing the momentum established in Khyndailad and Civil Hospital, vendors have been relocated to the two designated vending zones at the Parking Lot opposite SBI and near Matri Mandir, Polo.
Vendors who were previously operating along Jail Road, from OB Shopping Mall to Petrol Pump (MTC complex), have been relocated to the designated vending zone at the Parking Lot opposite SBI. The vendors have commenced their business activities from the newly constructed vending stalls.
The designated vending zone near Matri Mandir, Polo has a capacity of 132 stalls, of which 70 stalls are currently occupied. The designated vending zone at the Parking Lot opposite SBI has a capacity of 79 stalls, of which 9 stalls are currently occupied, with the relocation process continuing.
Further, 22 vendors from Secretariat Hills and IGP Junction are scheduled to relocate to the designated vending zone at the Parking Lot opposite SBI on 29th July 2025.
The relocation of street vendors is a complex exercise requiring careful planning, extensive consultations and coordination among multiple stakeholders. In the case of Polo, the Town Vending Committee conducted 29 formal meetings with vendor associations and other stakeholders before arriving at the present stage of implementation.
The entire process was undertaken in accordance with the provisions of law, with due consideration to the concerns, livelihoods and dignity of the vendors, and with the active participation of all stakeholders.
The Department is pleased to note that the vendors have willingly relocated to the designated vending spaces without any strict enforcement. The newly constructed vending stalls provide a more organized and suitable environment for vendors to conduct their business activities.
The positive response from vendors reflects their cooperation and active participation throughout the process. The Urban Affairs Department places on record its appreciation for the positive participation of the vendors, whose cooperation has been central to the success of the relocation process.
The Department also acknowledges the dedicated efforts of the Town Vending Committee, Office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, Shillong Municipal Board, Shillong Traffic Police, vendor associations and all stakeholders involved. Their collaborative efforts have ensured that the relocation has been carried out smoothly and with due regard to the dignity and livelihoods of the vendors.
Recognizing the inconvenience caused to vendors due to relocation, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya has already announced the Chief Minister’s Urban Livelihood Grant to support vendors during the transition to designated vending spaces.
Under the scheme, vendors holding a valid Certificate of Vending (CoV) will receive a relocation assistance package of ₹20,000, comprising an upfront payment of ₹10,000 and a monthly allowance of ₹2,000 for the subsequent five months.
A total of 65 CoVs have been issued for the Parking Lot opposite SBI and 106 CoVs for the vending zone near Matri Mandir, Polo.
The Department will commence the relocation process in Laitumkhrah from 17th August 2025 and remains optimistic that all eligible and registered vendors within the Shillong Municipal area will be accommodated in designated vending spaces by the end of September 2025.
Thereafter, notified no vending zones will be strictly enforced in accordance with the law. This will significantly reduce congestion, improve pedestrian movement and contribute to a more organized urban environment.
