Shillong, July 4: Street vendors and hawkers in Police Bazar, Shillong, are voicing deep concern over the recent High Court directive that permits them only three hours of business per day. The restricted timings—12:30 PM to 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM—have been deemed impractical by vendor representatives and civil society leaders, who say it hampers the vendors’ ability to earn a sustainable livelihood.

Angela Rangad, leader of the civil rights group Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR), criticized the court-mandated schedule, warning that it does not reflect the realities of hawkers’ daily operations. She pointed out that setting up a stall and arranging goods alone takes considerable time, leaving little window for actual sales. “Hawkers know the best hours and spots to earn based on experience. Imposing fixed hours without ground realities is unworkable,” Rangad said.

The High Court’s decision is based on an agreement with the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA), which had given an undertaking to ensure vendors adhere to the schedule without disrupting traffic or pedestrian flow. The association, while welcoming the court’s appointment of a Special Officer to oversee implementation, has also expressed difficulty in operating within the imposed timeframe.

Highlighting broader issues, Rangad emphasized that the matter isn’t just about earning a living. “This is about life, liberty, and livelihood,” she said, calling out the government for its lack of transparency. She demanded that lists of eligible and ineligible vendors be made public and raised objections to the digital survey process, which she claims ignored vendors’ earlier concerns.

Rangad also questioned the efficiency and cost of infrastructure projects aimed at relocation. “Has the government disclosed how much was spent on stalls for hawkers?” she asked. She stressed that vendors are not opposed to relocation, but it must be done with proper arrangements—not under rushed deadlines like the upcoming July 22 mandate.

TUR also raised issues around traffic congestion, which the government claims is the core reason for relocation. Rangad challenged whether the same level of compliance and enforcement applies to commercial buildings that violate parking laws.

She further accused the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and district administration of repeatedly delaying action and using legal hearings as a stalling tactic. “This cat-and-mouse game has gone on for years,” she alleged.

Dismissing the notion that government-provided financial aid is an act of sympathy, Rangad clarified that compensation for relocation is a legal requirement. “It’s not charity. It’s the law.”

Echoing her views, MGSPHSVA general secretary Shane Thabah said that the restrictive court schedule makes it nearly impossible for vendors to function effectively. “It takes 45 minutes just to bring goods from the godown, and another hour to set up. We barely have time left to do business,” he explained.

As the July 22 relocation deadline looms, street vendors continue to demand fair treatment, transparent procedures, and practical solutions to sustain their trade without disruption or exploitation.