The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has backtracked on Minister Vikramaditya Singh's statement on the mandatory display of owner’s ID card at every eatery and food stall in the state. Distancing itself from Singh's remark, the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government, in a statement, said it has not taken any decision that makes it mandatory for street vendors to display nameplates or other identification at their stalls.
The move came after Singh, along with CM Sukhu was reportedly reprimanded by the Congress high command. Quoting sources, a report by Indian Express said a message by an upset Congress central leadership was sent to Chief Minister Sukhu and Vikramaditya, asking them to desist from such “divisive” moves.
What Vikramaditya Singh Said
The Shimla Rural MLA faced flak after he told reporters that it would be mandatory for street vendors, especially those selling food items, to display their identity cards at their shops. Singh, the state Public Works and Urban Development Minister, said the decision was inspired by a similar directive announced by the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government.
He said the decision was taken considering "apprehensions" expressed by several locals about rising numbers of migrants in the state. Singh drew the censure of several leaders of the INDIA bloc when he posted his remarks on Facebook.
Congress Leadership's Intervention
After the move drew flak from several sections of society, AICC in-charge of Himachal Pradesh Rajiv Shukla said he has discussed the issue with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh. He said the matter sprang from the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly forming a committee to designate specific areas for street vendors, including those selling food and other items.
"They will be given licences and regulated so that police do not harass them. The designated places will require identification such as Aadhaar cards and licences, but there is no requirement for them to display a sign stating their name as the owner," news agency PTI reported Shukla as saying.
"The aim is to ensure that street vendors have proper locations to operate without disrupting traffic, especially since it is a hilly area and has narrow roads," he added.
The veteran Congress leader also debunked the notion that the HP govt took a leave from UP in forging the policy. "This is not on Yogi pattern, as those things are done in UP on communal pattern, which is not the case here. I want to clarify that the government has not given any such order... they (government or Vikramaditya) have not been reprimanded," Shukla said.