Raphael Warjri

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday distributed a one-time relocation assistance of ₹20,000 to vendors shifted to designated vending zones at Barik and Dhanketi.

The programme was attended by Arts and Culture Minister, South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai, East Shillong MLA, Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh and officials of the Urban Affairs Department.

Addressing the vendors, Sangma said the relocation exercise had been made possible through the cooperation of all stakeholders. He described it as a challenging process involving the twin objectives of urban development and protection of livelihoods, along with the beautification of Shillong.

The Chief Minister said prime vending locations had been identified to strike a balance between vendors’ livelihoods and the city’s overall aesthetics. He also appealed to residents and tourists to patronise the new vending zones, which are proposed to be equipped with toilets, seating facilities, decorative lighting and evening live performances.

Under the one-time support package, ₹10,000 will be transferred immediately to each vendor through DBT, while the remaining assistance will be disbursed at ₹2,000 per month for the next five months.