Raphael Warjri

The Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association on Thursday voiced strong displeasure over the prolonged delay in the constitution of a full-fledged Town Vending Committee  alleging that the State has failed to effectively implement the provisions of the Street Vendors Act.

The remarks came after representatives of the Association held deliberations with officials of the Shillong Municipal Board , days after staging a protest demanding the immediate constitution of the committee.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, MGSPHSVA General Secretary, Shane Thabah maintained that despite nearly three years having passed, the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC) was yet to be regularised into a full-fledged body. He alleged that the continued delay indicated a lack of seriousness on the part of the government and hinted at possible vested interests behind the inaction.

Shane Thabah further revealed that SMB officials informed the delegation that holding demonstrations outside the Board's office would not yield any result and advised the Association to pursue its demands directly with the State Government.

The Association, however, expressed dissatisfaction with the response, asserting that the Shillong Municipal Board remains a key stakeholder in the process of constituting the Town Vending Committee and, therefore, cannot absolve itself of its responsibility in the matter.