Hawkers’ body against overcrowding of MUDA space
In its letter to PTVC, MGSPHSVA points out the committee's reluctance & delay in addressing grievances
Shillong, Aug 8: The Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors’ Association (MGSPHSVA) has objected to the overcrowding of the MUDA site, citing safety and health hazards.
In a letter to the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC) on Friday, the association said the number of shops put up in the MUDA road level parking space has exceeded the numbers agreed upon.
MGSPHSVA also pointed out the PTVC’s “reluctance and delay” in addressing the grievances of the hawkers.
The hawkers’ body said it took eight letters and a protest on August 1 for the committee to convene a meeting on August 6. However, the demands were barely considered with priority.
“It was pointed out by us that many hawkers are in a dire situation owing to the wrongful denial of CoV (certificate of vending) to them… it is again very unfortunate and unacceptable that you do not see the urgency of the matter where people who live hand to mouth through vending have not been able to earn their living for one whole month,” the letter said.
MGSPHSVA added that a sub-committee was supposed to be in place to examine the problem, but nothing has been done so far.
The association also wanted to know the reason for denying space at the MUDA frontage even after it was agreed upon.
It reiterated its demand for CoVs to all genuine hawkers and cancellation of the same to “non-genuine hawkers”.
“… if it continues, it will force us to take recourse to other legal provisions,” it added.
Among its other demands are a complete list of the names of people who have received CoVs and transparency in all the processes.
