Himachal Pradesh follows UP's lead: mandates display of ‘Owner’s ID’ at eateries

Himachal Pradesh has decided to require shopkeepers and street vendors, especially those running eateries, to display the owner's identification. This decision comes after concerns from local residents about the increasing number of migrants in the area. Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced the order during a meeting with officials from Urban Development and the Municipal Corporation.

Singh explained that the goal is to ensure that hygienic food is sold by street vendors. “We have decided to make it mandatory for the street vendors to display their ID cards given by the street vendor's committee,” he stated. This move follows a similar directive from the Uttar Pradesh government, which ordered that food establishments display the names and addresses of their operators. The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh also required that chefs and waiters wear masks and gloves and that CCTV cameras be installed in restaurants.

Addressing local concerns

Minister Vikramaditya Singh mentioned that the new requirement aims to address the worries expressed by locals about the growing number of migrants. He said, “People expressed their concerns and doubts, and considering this, we have decided to implement a similar policy to that in UP.” Every shopkeeper and street vendor will need to display their identification.

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The ID cards will be issued based on a model from Uttar Pradesh, which introduced the idea amid some controversy. Street vendors selling food will also be checked for hygiene by the food supplies department. Additionally, a committee has been formed to create a policy for street vendors in the state.

The decision follows recent protests by Hindu groups, who called for the registration of outside workers. These protests also demanded that street vendor licenses be granted only to local residents, raising concerns over the number of vendors from the Muslim community in Himachal Pradesh.