Khyndai Lad Vendors Urged to Collect Certificates Amid Regulatory Push and Opposition
In a significant step towards formalizing and regulating street vending in Shillong’s bustling Khyndai Lad area, the Shillong Municipal Board has issued a notice urging eligible vendors to collect their Certificates of Vending (COV) from its office. This directive comes in the wake of a recently concluded in-situ survey conducted by the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC), in line with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, and the Meghalaya Street Vendors Schemes of 2023.
The issuance of these certificates is part of the broader strategy by the state government to streamline street vending practices, ensure orderly commerce, and reclaim pedestrian space in key commercial zones of the city. The COV, a document that legally recognizes a street vendor’s right to operate in a specified zone, is essential for those looking to continue their trade under the new regulatory framework.
Purpose of Certification
The main objective of this initiative is to bring order and legitimacy to a sector long plagued by informality and conflict. Street vending, while vital to the urban economy and the livelihoods of many, has often clashed with municipal authorities and urban development goals. By issuing certificates and creating designated vending zones, the government aims to strike a balance between supporting livelihoods and maintaining urban order.
The COV distribution follows an extensive survey carried out by the PTVC, which assessed the location, nature, and legitimacy of vendors operating in Khyndai Lad—a prime commercial hub of Shillong. These certificates serve not only as proof of recognition but also as a safeguard against arbitrary eviction or harassment by enforcement personnel.
Vendor Opposition and Legal Concerns
However, the move has not been universally welcomed. The Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) has voiced strong opposition to the process, raising questions about the legality and transparency of the PTVC’s operations. The association contends that the Street Vendors Act, 2014, mandates decisions on street vending regulation be taken by a duly constituted Town Vending Committee (TVC) that includes elected representatives of street vendors.
The MGSPHSVA has criticized the PTVC as an interim body lacking proper representation and legitimacy to make binding decisions on vendor relocation or certification. They have demanded the immediate withdrawal of all public notices issued by the PTVC and called for an emergency dialogue with government officials to address these procedural discrepancies. The association has further hinted at launching an agitation if their concerns are not addressed, emphasizing the need for an inclusive, legally sound process.
Relocation Plan and the Future of Khyndai Lad
One of the more contentious aspects of the current regulatory push is the planned relocation of vendors from Khyndai Lad to newly designated vending zones. Government officials argue that the relocation is essential to reduce congestion and enhance the urban experience in one of Shillong’s busiest areas. However, vendors view the move as a threat to their income, citing that foot traffic in relocation zones may be significantly lower than in the central Khyndai Lad market.
Despite protests, the administration appears resolute in implementing its vision of a regulated and orderly urban environment. Officials from the Shillong Municipal Board have reiterated the importance of compliance with the new regulations and urged vendors to collect their COVs without delay to avoid future penalties or removal.
Implications for Urban Policy and Vendor Livelihoods
The situation at Khyndai Lad reflects the broader tensions between urban governance and informal sector livelihoods seen in many Indian cities. While regulations are necessary for managing urban space, the challenge lies in designing policies that are both inclusive and enforceable. Street vendors often operate on the margins of legality but serve critical functions in the urban ecosystem by offering affordable goods and services.
The certification and relocation process, if done transparently and inclusively, could set a precedent for sustainable urban vendor management in Meghalaya and beyond. However, failure to accommodate stakeholder voices and legal mandates risks alienating a large section of the city’s informal workforce.
As Shillong navigates this crucial transition in street vendor management, the outcome will hinge on the government’s willingness to engage with vendor associations and uphold participatory governance principles. For now, eligible vendors are advised to collect their Certificates of Vending from the Shillong Municipal Board to secure their legal standing, even as the debate over the process’s legitimacy continues to simmer.
The path ahead will test not only the resilience of Khyndai Lad’s street vendors but also the government’s commitment to equitable and lawful urban development.
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