Street vendors dare govt to walk the talk

SHILLONG, SEPT 8: Demanding the implementation of the Vendors’ Act, young and educated street vendors on Tuesday told the government to stop bragging about skill development programme when it cannot even encourage simple skills displayed in the street by them.

The group of  street vendors, who are educated- wanted the state government to speed up implementation of the Vendors’ Act passed one year ago to protect their right to livelihood.

These vendors, who are doing business in Khyndailad,  and felt the government must walk the talk as one of them Chirup Warpah told reporters at a press conference Tuesday,“We want the government to implement the Meghalaya Street Vendors and Protection of Livelihood and Regulation (MSVPLR) Act, 2014, to ensure our fundamental right to live and earn.”

In compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, the Meghalaya Street Vendors and Protection of Livelihood and Regulation (MSVPLR) Act was passed on November 28 last year to safeguard the rights of the hawkers in the state.

The demand was also made after number of street vendors operating in Khyndailad and other areas were evicted by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) recently on the plea to ease congestion.

“Despite the act stating that it is mandatory for all existing street vendors to be registered, up to date digitalized photo census, besides proper marking of vending zones by a vending committee, but nothing was done till today,” Warpah complaint.

Warpah, who was also a Hotel Management student from Kolkata, alleged that the recent eviction drive by the SMB is a violation of the act as the government has not come up with proper marking of vending and non-vending zone.

“Moreover, I feel eviction is a violation of our fundamental freedom to live and earn our livelihood. On one hand government is talking about protection on the other hand it is evicting us and continues to harass us,” he complaint demanding the SMB to stop its eviction drive till the Act is implemented in letter and spirit.

Warpah also pointed out that the authorities have failed to evict those selling allu muris in and around the city obstructing public spaces like in Lady Hydari Park, Governor’s House and other areas.

Stating that street vendors are catering to the need of the ‘common man’, he said, “It is time for the government to legalize our business,” adding “While street food available across the globe is getting the much needed recognition, but sadly not in Meghalaya.”

At present, the street vendors are allowed to do business only from 8 pm onwards.

Ridiculing the timing given to them, Warpah said, “It is so unfair and unjust to allow us to do business only after 8 pm as there are few people in the market.

Stating the government should stop its skill development programme, Warpah questioned, “What is the point of this skill development when the moment you start showing your skills you are being stop and discouraged by the same people.”

He said he opted for street vending as a source of income because he doesn’t want to sit at home grumbling about why he doesn’t get a government job.  He   felt the government should think about it.

The group also challenged those against (including SMB and government) the street vendors for an open debate to point as to where they have gone wrong in trying to earn livelihood.

“We can prove that we are not the reason of the congestion problem,” Warpah challenged.

Demanding that the government should start issuing temporary ID cards or license to them to ensure they are not harass at all times, Warpah said all they want is a peace of mind and do their business in peaceful manner.- By Our Reporter