GMC Launches Lease Waiver for Indigenous SC/ST Women Vendors at Beltola Bazaar

In an empowering move to support indigenous women vendors, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) announced the launch of a lease fee waiver for small businesses operated by women from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) communities. This initiative was inaugurated at the renowned Beltola Bazaar and is poised for expansion throughout the city.

This strategic move is designed to offer both financial relief and business security to numerous women who play a crucial role in supporting their families and contributing to the city’s informal economy. Addressing the launch event, Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania remarked, “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that our women entrepreneurs — who are the backbone of our communities — receive the support they need to thrive.”

In an effort to ensure continual support, even for those operating outside designated GMC spaces, the civic body will distribute identity cards to ST/SC women vendors who prefer to remain at their current spots. “Many of these sellers have loyal customers and do not want to shift locations. So far, our survey has identified 90 such vendors who will receive their cards soon,” the mayor added.

Beyond Beltola Bazaar, the lease fee waiver initiative is set to roll out to other markets including Sawkuchi Bazaar and Betkuchi Bazaar, with plans for further expansion in a phased approach. “This is just the beginning. We are committed to supporting every indigenous ST/SC woman vendor in leased markets under GMC jurisdiction,” affirmed Mayor Sarania.

This initiative by the GMC serves as a part of its larger commitment to make urban markets more inclusive and accessible, particularly for marginalized women traders. It also represents a progressive step towards alleviating regulatory pressures and fostering equity in Guwahati’s local economy.