Shillong, June 25: The Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) on Thursday celebrated its 10th anniversary at All Saints Hall in Shillong, commemorating a decade of advocacy for the rights and livelihoods of hawkers and street vendors across the city.

Addressing the gathering, social activist and association leader Angela Rangad lauded the unity, resilience and determination shown by hawkers over the past ten years in defending the livelihood and dignity of thousands of families dependent on street vending.

Reflecting on the association’s journey, Rangad said hawkers have faced numerous challenges, including eviction drives, relocation proposals and policy-related uncertainties. Despite these obstacles, she noted that the association has consistently engaged with government agencies, including the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and the Shillong Municipal Board, to ensure that the interests and rights of street vendors are protected.

She emphasised that street vending is a legitimate source of livelihood and should not be viewed as an encroachment or blamed for the city’s challenges. “Street vendors do not make the city dirty,” Rangad said, adding that hawkers form an important part of Shillong’s economy and play a significant role in meeting the daily needs of residents.

Calling for stronger protection of vendors’ rights, she urged the government to fully implement the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 and ensure that any decisions affecting street vendors are taken only after meaningful consultation with their representatives.

Rangad also expressed gratitude to the association’s members and vendors for their continued support over the years and appealed to them to remain united in safeguarding their livelihoods. At the same time, she encouraged vendors to cooperate in efforts to keep Shillong clean, organised and welcoming for all.

The anniversary programme was attended by association members, street vendors, social activists and supporters, who reflected on the organisation’s decade-long struggle and achievements while reaffirming their commitment to protecting the rights, livelihoods and dignity of street vendors throughout Meghalaya.