Meghalaya Begins Relocation of Street Vendors in Shillong, Offers ₹20,000 Support
Shillong, July 3 — In a major step towards organizing urban public spaces, the Meghalaya government has launched the relocation of over 400 eligible street vendors from central Shillong to designated vending zones. The initiative aims to regulate street vending, reduce congestion, and ensure orderly urban development, while also offering financial support of ₹20,000 to each relocated vendor.
The Urban Affairs Department, under the supervision of the Meghalaya High Court, has identified three key locations in the city to accommodate the vendors, with enforcement actions already underway.
Key Relocation Zones Identified in Central Shillong
A senior Urban Affairs Department official told PTI that the following three prime locations have been earmarked for vendor relocation:
- Inside the MUDA parking lot
- Outside the MUDA complex
- Municipal parking lot opposite SBI Main Branch
“These sites are within accessible urban areas and were selected to maintain vendor visibility while decluttering the core city,” the official said.
Survey Identifies 760 Eligible Vendors
As part of the process, a digital in-situ survey was carried out between December 2023 and January 2024 across 23 locations in Shillong. The survey recorded approximately 1,400 vendors, of which 760 were found eligible based on various criteria outlined in the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
The Khyndailad area, also known as Police Bazar, had the highest concentration of vendors. Of the 457 vendors surveyed in Khyndailad, 407 were declared eligible after detailed hearings on claims and objections, held between February and May 2025.
Relocation Triggers Protests and Legal Action
While the relocation initiative officially began last week, tensions escalated on Tuesday, when a group of hawkers protested at the entrance of the main secretariat, violating district orders prohibiting demonstrations near sensitive government zones.
“An FIR has been filed by the duty magistrate in this regard,” said East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem.
In total, nine FIRs have been registered — four by protesting vendors and five by officials of the Shillong Municipal Board.
High Court Oversight and Legal Compliance
The entire relocation and enforcement campaign is being conducted in compliance with directions issued by the Meghalaya High Court, which is currently monitoring the matter under two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to:
- Street vending regulation
- Traffic congestion in Shillong
The government emphasized that it is working in accordance with the Street Vendors Act, 2014, which mandates the creation of vending zones, vendor identification, and balanced urban policy implementation.
Long-Term Vision for Urban Planning in Shillong
Authorities have clarified that this is not a one-off event, but part of a broader, phased plan to streamline street vending throughout the city. Future phases are expected to cover additional localities beyond the central core.
“This initiative balances two key objectives: urban order and the protection of vendors’ livelihoods,” said an Urban Affairs official.
Each eligible vendor is also entitled to a relocation allowance of ₹20,000, designed to support transition costs and prevent loss of income during the shift.
Background: The Street Vendors Act, 2014
The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 mandates the creation of Town Vending Committees (TVCs), proper surveys to identify vendors, allocation of vending zones, and issuance of identity cards to eligible hawkers. The act aims to protect the rights of street vendors while ensuring orderly urban development.
The Meghalaya High Court, through continuous monitoring, has played a proactive role in ensuring state compliance with the law, especially in Shillong, where urban congestion and unregulated vending have long posed challenges.
The Meghalaya government’s relocation drive for Shillong’s street vendors signals a new chapter in the city’s urban planning efforts. With over 400 vendors already being moved to approved vending zones, and ₹20,000 support per vendor, the administration seeks to strike a delicate balance between urban order and economic justice. However, ongoing protests suggest that dialogue and transparency will be key to maintaining public confidence and vendor cooperation in the coming phases.