A day after Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh coursed controversy by stating that all street vendors in Shimla should put up names, photographs, and ID based on their ID cards on a notice as per the decision of the government, the Himachal government clarified on Thursday that no such decision was made amidst widespread backlash.
A government spokesperson said that a lot of suggestions were received from several sections of society regarding the street vendors' policy.
"So far, the government has not taken any decision to mandatorily display nameplates or other identification by the vendors on their stalls," said the spokesperson, assuring that the government is committed to resolving the issues of the state's street vendors. The suggestions will be considered, and no decisions will be finalized without their due consideration, added the spokesperson.
According to the spokesperson, a committee comprising of MLAs from the Congress and BJP has already been formed to address the issue.
The committee headed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan comprises Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, MLAs Anil Sharma, Satpal Satti, Randhir Sharma and Harish Janartha.
This committee will critically analyse the proposals from different people before turning its proposals to the state government.
After presenting the detailed recommendations, the spokesperson said that the Cabinet will take seriously the same and then deliver the final ruling.
On Wednesday, Minister Vikramaditya Singh had said that all street vendors, especially those selling food items, would have to put up their identity. "This has been done in UP, and we too shall enforce it in Shimla, he added.
He said further: "Much eatables like momos and noodles are being sold by food stalls… so the Food and Civil Supplies Department will ensure that the food being sold is hygienic." Furthermore, through the display of information, the department will ascertain if the vendors are licenced.
