IMPHAL, June 12: It will be difficult for all the street vendors in and around Khwairamband Kheithel to be accommodated at Khwairamban Keithel.
This was stated by the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh during the question and answer session on the third day of the 5th session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly replying to a query from ruling MLA Dr Ng Bijoy Singh on whether there are any plans regarding the Lamphel Supermarket after its pucca buildings have been demolished.
The Chief Minister was replying as the concerned Minister of the Manipur Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) in the House.
Further in his reply, the Chief Minister had said that the bus parking and the open market for street/women vendors without licensce in and around Naga Mapal BT road were constructed at the empty space after shops/stalls of the crescent shopping place were pulled down.
Elaborating further, the Chief Minister said that Ima Market, Lakshmi Market and New Market were constructed in the interest of woman vendors at Khwairamban Keithel. A market shed was constructed as the temporary market shed at the area where the old district hospital had been located as the three markets were under construction, he said.
Continuing his reply to the query, the Chief Minister said that he has no idea whether the woman vendors get more proceeds from selling at the Khwairamband Keithel, near Uripok Cheirap Court, at Nagamapal, behind the dry fish stalls and along BT road, however it will be difficult for all of them to be accommodated at the Khwiaramband Keithel.
Adding that a One storey extension above the three exiting market sheds will cost Rs 5/6 crores, he said and added that there is shortage of funds with the government and as such there is the requirement for the vendors to share the vending space.
MLA Dr Ng Bijoy Singh who raised the question in the House called the attention of the Chief Minister who also holds the MAHUD portfolio on the condition of Lamphel supermarket for inspection, pointing out that the Lamphel super market is in a pathetic condition.
Agreeing to the matter, the Chief Minister made his assurance in the House that he would inspect the existing condition at an opportune time.