Hawkers under the banner of the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA) staged a protest at the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) office on Friday, demanding the immediate and full constitution of the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC).
Following the protest, officials of the Shillong Municipal Board invited representatives of the association for talks later in the day.
However, speaking to reporters after the meeting, MGSPHSVA General Secretary Shane Thabah described the discussions as unproductive. He alleged that Board officials told them there was little point in protesting at the Shillong Municipal Board office and instead advised them to take up their grievances directly with the State Government.
The remarks, he said, left the hawkers deeply disappointed and angered.
Shane further alleged that despite nearly three years having passed, the Provisional Town Vending Committee has still not been fully constituted. He questioned the prolonged delay, claiming it raises suspicions that there are vested interests behind the government’s failure to complete the process.
