Archive · 25 Jul 2025
Shillong Hawkers Association Disputes Vendor Relocation as Illegal
The government of Meghalaya moved street vendors from a busy area in Shillong to a new zone.
A hawkers' association is unhappy about this, saying it was done unfairly.
They claim many vendors were left out, and the new area lacks basic things like toilets and proper lighting.
They want the government to give all vendors permits and make sure no one is moved multiple times.
The government says it is trying to balance the need to clear public spaces with vendors' rights and those who disagree can appeal to higher authorities.
Hawkers association in Shillong opposes relocation of vendors.
Association calls the relocation 'illegal and arbitrary'.
Concerns raised over the lack of infrastructure at the new vending zones.
The association claims the relocation displaced hundreds of vendors.
Association demands issuance of Certificates of Vending before further relocation.
- Who
- The Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association and the Meghalaya government.
- What
- Relocation of street vendors and the subsequent opposition from a hawkers' association.
- When
- Relocation occurred, with opposition voiced on July 25th.
- Where
- Shillong, Meghalaya, India.
- Why
- The hawkers' association opposes the move, citing it as illegal and arbitrary, while the government aims to balance public space needs with vendor rights.
Hawkers Association
Meghalaya Government/MUDA
Legality of Relocation
Hawkers Association
The relocation is illegal and arbitrary.
Meghalaya Government/MUDA
The government is working within the framework of the Constitution to ensure a balance of public space requirements and vendors' rights.
Vendor Rights vs. Public Space
Hawkers Association
Many vendors were displaced and livelihoods disrupted.
Meghalaya Government/MUDA
The government aims to balance public space and vendor rights.
Infrastructure Quality
Hawkers Association
Inadequate infrastructure at the new location.
Meghalaya Government/MUDA
Not explicitly addressed, but the government position is that the move is within legal bounds.
- Association
- Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA)
- Location of Relocation
- MUDA Parking Lot and opposite a state-run bank
- Number of vendors relocated
- Approximately 300
- Initial survey estimate
- Nearly 1,400 hawkers across the city
- Concerns
- Poor ventilation, absence of toilets, inadequate lighting, and lack of water and drainage facilities at new zones
- Government Agency
- Meghalaya Urban Development Agency (MUDA)