Committed to balanced solutions on hawker relocation: Paul Lyngdoh

Correspondent

SHILLONG: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday reaffirmed that the hawkers' association has been actively involved in discussions regarding their relocation. Acknowledging the challenges in accommodating all viewpoints, he emphasized that the government's primary concern is the welfare of all citizens, ensuring that no single group's interests impede or clash with another's.

"As I kept telling you, the associations have already been part of the process. We have been in constant discussions with them for the past year. It's difficult to please everybody, but for us, the first and foremost priority is the interest of all citizens- all users of roads and footpaths. We should be able to ensure that the interest of one section of society does not stand in the way, impede, or clash with the interest of another section," Lyngdoh stated.

He further clarified that the government has a defined action plan, but the Department of Urban Affairs, being the nodal agency, is better positioned to address specific queries on the matter.

Addressing the delay in the hawker relocation process, Lyngdoh cited the upcoming Autonomous District Council elections as a key factor. "Many government officials have been engaged in election duties, including the Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs, whose department is directly responsible for this issue. That is why it is taking more time. But as he and I have shared before, the process will move forward. It is just a matter of time now, as we have begun identifying new locations for these hawkers, starting with Khyndailad," he added.

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