Lagatar24 Desk
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Congress government has clarified that no decision has been made regarding the mandatory display of owners’ names at restaurants and eateries, distancing itself from Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh‘s earlier comments. Singh had stated that the measure would be implemented in Shimla from January to ensure the supply of hygienic food.
However, the government has now made it clear that the matter is still under review. A spokesperson emphasized that the government is committed to addressing the concerns of street vendors and will consider all suggestions before taking any decision.
Formation of Committee
A committee comprising both Congress and BJP MLAs has been formed to address the issue. Chaired by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, the committee includes key ministers such as Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, along with MLAs Anil Sharma, Satpal Satti, Randhir Sharma, and Harish Janartha.
The committee will review feedback from various stakeholders before submitting recommendations to the government, which will then carefully consider the inputs before making a decision.
Vikramaditya Singh’s Earlier Comment
On Wednesday, Minister Vikramaditya Singh had remarked that the Urban Development Ministry and the Municipal Corporation had collectively decided to enforce the rule, similar to a controversial idea introduced by the Uttar Pradeshgovernment earlier this year. However, the state government has now distanced itself from these remarks.
Context from Uttar Pradesh
The idea of displaying names at eateries was originally introduced by the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh during the Kanwar Yatra, but it sparked a political controversy and was bitterly opposed by the Congress. Recently, following reports of unsanitary practices by vendors, the Uttar Pradesh government has started enforcing the rule again, along with additional measures such as mandatory CCTVs in restaurants and the use of masks and gloves by chefs and waiters.
