Shillong, September 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday visited the newly designated vending zones at Brightwell–Bungalow, Barik and Dhankheti, where he distributed cheques as part of the State Government’s ₹20,000 financial assistance for each relocated street vendor.
Sangma was accompanied by Arts and Culture Minister Sanbor Shullai, Laitumkhrah MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, senior government officials and others.
The new vending zones have been established to accommodate vendors relocated from parts of Laitumkhrah, Last Stop and adjoining areas as part of the government’s effort to regulate street vending while protecting the livelihoods of affected families.
Under the assistance scheme, each registered vendor will receive ₹20,000 directly into their bank account. An initial amount of ₹10,000 will be released first, while the remaining ₹10,000 will be provided in monthly instalments of ₹2,000.
During the visit, the Chief Minister toured the stalls and interacted with vendors about their experiences, working conditions and concerns at the new locations. He also purchased and ate momos from one of the stalls along with other leaders accompanying him.
Sangma thanked the vendors for cooperating with the government and responding positively to the relocation from their earlier vending sites to Brightwell–Barik and Dhankheti.
He said the exercise was not solely intended to clear and regulate roads and footpaths but also to provide vendors with designated, secure and suitable spaces where they could continue their livelihoods.
The Chief Minister said Shullai, who represents South Shillong and is a resident of the area, had made the site available for development as a designated vendors’ market.
He added that the Urban Affairs Department has plans to further develop and beautify the area. The establishment of the vending zone, he said, was only the first phase of a broader development initiative.
The government plans to provide public toilets, adequate lighting and other essential amenities at the site. Cultural programmes, musical performances and recreational activities are also proposed periodically to attract visitors and develop Brightwell–Barik as a food and community destination.
Sangma appealed to residents and commuters to visit the new vending zones and support the relocated vendors by purchasing from their stalls. He said continued public patronage would be important for sustaining their livelihoods and making the new market successful.
The relocation is part of the State Government’s broader initiative to regulate street vending, improve pedestrian movement and public spaces, while safeguarding the livelihoods of families dependent on the informal sector.
