Shimla – Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh has stepped in to address the ongoing debate surrounding the implementation of the vending policy in Himachal Pradesh, particularly after discussions in Delhi sparked controversy.
Responding to the media queries in Delhi today Singh said the state government is bound by the court's directives to implement the Town Vending Policy, emphasizing that the process has been in motion for some time.
Singh clarified that the vending policy stems from a 2013 Supreme Court directive mandating the formation of Town Vending Committees (TVC) in municipal bodies across India.
In Himachal Pradesh, the policy was enacted in 2016, but for various reasons, it hadn't been fully activated.
The issue gained momentum after the Himachal Pradesh High Court, in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), directed the government in 2023 to expedite the formation of the TVCs and to provide designated vending spots for street vendors across the state.
"We held a detailed meeting with the Municipal Corporation and Urban Development Department in Shimla a few days ago, where we discussed the court's orders.
It's clear that we need to fast-track the process, and the Shimla Municipal Corporation is already working on it," Singh said.
"The state government is bound to implement the court's directions, and we're identifying vending and non-vending zones.
The vending areas will be marked in blue, and proper identification for vendors will be required, whether through Aadhaar cards, ID cards, or other valid identification."
In the face of political speculation linking the Himachal vending policy to similar policies in other states like Uttar Pradesh, Singh dismissed such comparisons as baseless.
"The attempt to give this a political color is unnecessary. Our responsibility is towards the concerns of the people of Himachal Pradesh, and we are acting within the framework of the law and court orders," he stated.
Singh reiterated that the government will also ensure that the vendors are properly verified, especially in cases where food stalls or potential drug-related activities could pose a threat.
"Verification of every person is essential, and we're taking steps to ensure the safety and legality of vending operations," he added.
Addressing the speculation that the Congress leadership in Delhi was unhappy with the policy, Singh said, "This is just media talk. If anyone in the party is upset, they have my number, and they can contact me. But as far as I know, no one is angry."
In a broader perspective, Singh affirmed that Himachal Pradesh welcomes people from all over the country for employment opportunities, but the government also has a duty to safeguard the interests of local residents.
"Himachal is Devbhoomi, and everyone is welcome here, but addressing the concerns of our people is our responsibility," he concluded.
