Draw roadmap to solve Beltola Bazar problem: Governor to DC

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 3: Assam Governor PB Acharya has asked the Kamrup (M) district administration and the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) draw a roadmap for solution to the problem afflicting the women and other vendors at the Bentola market in the city so as to keep the uniqueness of the market intact.

The Governor today held a meeting with the women vendors of Beltola, the Street Vendor Association and Puberun Club in the presence of Kamrup (M) Deputy Commissioner M Angamuthu and GMC Commissioner N Konwar in his conference hall. The Governor called the meeting mainly to solve the problems and grievances of the vegetable vendors of Beltola Bazar who mainly comprise poor tribal women from Rabha, Garo, Khasi and Boro communities. The women vendors had met the Governor last month and conveyed their grievances.

The Governor observed that the women vendors from nearby tribal areas have been a unique feature of this market and bring a lot of household exotic vegetables and spices which are not found in other modern markets. These products can be termed as exotic and are integral to our traditiol regiol food. The Governor asked the officials concerned that a roadmap should be prepared to encourage them and solve their problems promptly. He suggested that a list should be made on goods being sold at the market. He asked the GMC to issue identity cards and to apprise the women vendors about PM’s Jan-Dhan Yoja. He also suggested that kiosks should be placed and clean toilets be provided for ladies and gents. The Governor also directed the officials concerned to organize and arrange a sitting place for the vendors so that traffic congestion can be avoided. He is of the view that if authorities concerned take necessary steps, there will be no need to compromise with the timing of the market day.

The Governor, along with the First Lady, the Kamrup (M) Deputy Commissioner and the GMC Commissioner took lunch with the women vendors.