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A recent controversy surrounding street vendors in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, has ignited debate and sparked clarifications from the state government. The issue arose when Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced a decision to make it mandatory for all street vendors in Shimla to display their names, photographs, and identification details, drawing comparisons to similar policies implemented in Uttar Pradesh. However, the Himachal government swiftly refuted the minister's statement, emphasizing that no such decision had been taken.
The government spokesperson explained that numerous suggestions concerning street vendor policy have been received from various segments of society. While acknowledging the diverse opinions, the government asserted that a mandatory nameplate policy for vendors was not yet in place. The spokesperson highlighted the government's commitment to addressing the concerns of street vendors and emphasized that all suggestions would be carefully considered before any decisions were made.
To address the complexities of the situation, a committee comprising both Congress and BJP MLAs has been formed to thoroughly review the matter. This committee, chaired by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, includes prominent figures like Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, and MLAs Anil Sharma, Satpal Satti, Randhir Sharma, and Harish Janartha. The committee's mandate is to evaluate the suggestions put forth by various stakeholders and present detailed recommendations to the state government.
The government spokesperson clarified that the Cabinet will carefully assess the committee's recommendations before making any final decisions on the matter. This cautious approach underscores the government's commitment to a thorough and inclusive process in formulating policy regarding street vendors. It highlights the importance of considering the perspectives of all relevant parties before implementing any policy changes.
Minister Vikramaditya Singh's initial statement, citing the example of Uttar Pradesh, had stirred controversy. He had asserted that all street vendors, especially those selling food items, would be required to display their identity. This statement, drawing parallels to policies in other states, raised concerns about the potential impact on vendors and sparked debate on the need for such a policy in Himachal Pradesh. However, the government's subsequent clarification and the formation of a committee to review the matter have brought a sense of clarity to the situation. This demonstrates the government's commitment to a transparent and deliberative approach in dealing with complex policy issues.