Hawkers’ body slams government

Delay in implementation of Central Act

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Dec 8: The Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) along with TUR condemned the government's delay in implementing the Central Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.

"Since July this year, we have sent representations and suggestions and met several functiories of the government - from the Chief Minister, Minister In-Charge, Urban Affairs, the Chief Secretary and others - petitioning them to implement the Central Act and notify the rules as these have provisions that protect the rights of hawkers while also streamlining and regulating vending activities," read a statement issued by MGSPHSVA and TUR.

The hawkers have peacefully demonstrated as per law. The organizations are left with no other options and hence decided to intensify the agitation from the coming week. 

The hawkers demanded that illegal and brutal evictions should be stopped immediately and the authorities concerned should also fulfil their demands which include implementation of the Central Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, reconstitution of the Town Vending Committee not having less than 40% representation from among hawkers and hawker associations where at least half of the members are women.

The hawkers demanded the immediate return of all seized goods and compensation for goods destroyed and lost and withdrawal of all false FIRs filed against hawkers.