Meghalaya Ministers Distribute Cheques to Street Hawkers, Ensuring Relocation with Dignity

CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya has become one of the few states in the country to distribute direct financial assistance to street vendors. Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs Snaiwbhalang Dhar and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Tuesday handed over Rs 10,000 relocation cheques to hawkers at Khyndailad, marking a major milestone in the government’s urban decongestion and rehabilitation push.

The cheque distribution event, held at the two-wheeler parking lot of Khyndailad, showcased the state’s commitment to streamlining vending zones while upholding the dignity and livelihood of vendors. Under this initiative, 282 hawkers relocated to the MUDA Complex will receive a Rs 20,000 support package—Rs 10,000 upfront and Rs 2,000 per month for five months. Basic facilities such as drinking water, electricity, and toilets are also being arranged at the new vending site.

“Over 200 hawkers are there and today we are distributing financial assistance to the Hawkers. Today we have issued few cheques and rest will be transferred online,” said Deputy Chief Minister Snaiwbhalang Dhar. “In the vending zone we are trying to give good electricity, water and toilets. We are trying to improve the infrastructure and move ahead,” he added.

Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh hailed the effort as a landmark achievement. “One of the few states which has given cash incentives for 282 hawkers on relocation beside others amenities like drinking water, washrooms beside others other relocation. Amount of Rs 20,000 per vendor, huge incentivisation for these street Hawkers. Rs 10,000 one time plus Rs 2000 per month for five months. We have just gained major landmark victory, the busiest commercial centre of state capital of Meghalaya have been cleared of hawkers. Already announced padestrianisation of Khyndailad,” said Lyngdoh.

Both ministers also conducted a spot inspection of the newly vacated Khyndailad stretch and the hawkers’ market, reinforcing the administration’s resolve to convert Shillong’s busiest zone into an organized, pedestrian-friendly urban space.

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