SHILLONG, July 4: Concerns are rising among hawkers and street vendors following a High Court directive that restricts their business hours in Police Bazar to just three hours daily. Angela Rangad, leader of Thma U Rangli Juki (TUR) and supporter of the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association, has criticized the fixed timings, arguing that they hinder vendors’ ability to effectively manage their sales. “Setting up for sales takes significant time. Vendors know the best times and locations for business based on economic factors,” Rangad stated.
The High Court of Meghalaya has stipulated that vendors can operate during specific hours-12:30 PM to 2 PM and 7:30 PM to 9 PM-on a limited number of days. This decision was made contingent upon an agreement from the association’s general secretary, which requires that vendors adhere to these time limits to maintain smooth traffic flow.
Despite the court’s decision to appoint a Special Officer, which has been welcomed by the hawkers’ association, Rangad emphasizes that the situation transcends mere livelihood. “This is about life, liberty, and livelihood,” she asserted. She called for greater transparency from the government, demanding a public list of eligible and ineligible hawkers and pointing out unresolved issues regarding a digital survey.
Rangad also scrutinized what she termed unnecessary spending on poorly thought-out infrastructure. “Has the government disclosed the cost of constructing stalls for hawkers?” she queried. She emphasized that vendors are willing to relocate if proper arrangements are made and questioned the necessity of a relocation deadline set for July 22.
Broadening the discussion, Rangad highlighted traffic congestion as a primary concern behind the relocation. She questioned whether the government has ensured compliance with building regulations and stressed that commercial buildings should provide parking as required by local laws. “It is frustrating to see the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and district administration engaged in a cat-and-mouse game ahead of court hearings, a pattern that’s persisted for years,” she alleged.
Additionally, Rangad dismissed claims that financial assistance for hawkers represents government generosity, asserting that under the law, relocation compensation is mandatory. Shane Thabah, the general secretary of the association, voiced similar concerns and underscored the difficulties posed by the court’s schedule. “It takes at least 45 minutes to transport goods from storage and another hour to set up,” he explained. He reiterated the association’s request for the government to adhere to the provisions of the Street Vendors Act, insisting that if this were addressed, there would be no conflicts.
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/07/05/hawkers-in-distress-over-new-biz-timings/
Category: MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-07-05 01:28:00
