Indigenous Vendors Protest Unjust Licence Revocations in Shillong

Indigenous street vendors, primarily women, rallied outside the Shillong Municipal Board on Friday, protesting against alleged unjust revocation of vending licences and preferential stall allocations at the new vending site.

Under the banner of Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association, they demanded a review of the relocation process managed by the SMB and Urban Affairs Department. Allegations have surfaced that genuine local vendors, especially Khasi women, were excluded from the list of beneficiaries, with stalls going to non-local vendors. The protest, following a Meghalaya High Court order, highlights a call for transparency and reassessment of stall allocations.

Angela Rngad, representing the vendors, warned of escalating protests if the grievances aren't addressed. Concerns over potential bias and lack of transparency in the current vendor eligibility determination were raised. The association seeks a review of the vending zone plan and an equitable stall distribution to support all small-scale vendors fairly.

(With inputs from agencies.)