Keithel vendor plots only for license holders
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 07 2010: Amid demands from certain quarters for allocation of trade platforms at the newly built double-storeyed market complexes of Khwairamband keithel, Works Minister K Ranjit Singh has asserted that only original vendor license holders would be granted accommodation at the three market sheds.

With apparent reference to pressure exerted upon the State Government for provision of some seats to new traders, the Minister declared that streets and those plying their trades at Cheirap Court, Nagamapal, Kasturi thong (bridge) areas would be provided space at the temporary market sheds in the erstwhile District Hospital complex.

One of the keithel complex awaiting inauguration

Regarding initial opposition by many women vendors and social organisations that construction of the new market complexes would diminish historical relevance and original structure of Khwairamband Keithel, Ranjit expressed that the renovated market complexes has retained the essence of the historic structure.

Speaking to newspersons at the market site last evening, he reiterated that subject experts were consulted to ensure that the market complexes retained semblance of the historic structure.

On allotment of seats, he maintained that only those vendors who possess valid license issued by Imphal Municipal Council would be provided seats in the three complexes for there is no excess space for fresh allotment.

apart from plan to shift street vendors scattered in Khwairamband Keithel areas to the temporary market sheds hectic efforts are being made to construct another market complex at the erstwhile Tombisana High School premises, he informed.

The Minister further conveyed that more market complexes would be constructed near the Inter State Bus Terminus at Chingmeirong area in the near future where tribal women traders would be accommodated.

He also informed that after settlement of the original license holders to the three double-storeyed market complexes a nominal amount would be levied from each of the women vendors as maintenance fee and charges of power and water usages.

Explaining that Government had been spending Rs 5 lakh as power consumption amount in the three market complexes, the Minister also pointed out that water reservoir of 2.60 lakh litres capacity has been installed at Purana Keithel, whereas similar facility of 1,35 lakh litres and 1.65 lakh litres have also been added at New Market and Lakshmi Keithel respectively.

Ranjit also said requisite water to the market complexes would be supplied from the Kangla water scheme and that separate toilets have been attached in all the three complexes for which the Government is compelled to levy nominal amount for maintenance and other basic necessities.

As a part of welfare measure for young women vendors who also have to care for their children during their daily chores at the market, suggestions for opening a unit of Family Welfare Department at the market complexes is being accorded top priority by the Government, the Minister claimed.

He also informed that to ensure easy accessibility of the women vendors to hygienic consumable items, food joints / restaurants would be attached in the three market complexes.

It is also informed that ground floor of the market complexes would be used for parking of vehicles.