Himachal Pradesh Clarifies No Mandatory ID Display for Street Vendors

The Himachal Pradesh government clarified that no decision has been made to require street vendors to display their identity cards. This comes after Minister Vikramaditya Singh's statement suggesting mandatory ID display similar to Uttar Pradesh's policy. Recent protests and new policy framing for street vendors follow concerns over unauthorized activities.

Facing criticism over Minister Vikramaditya Singh's announcement on mandatory display of names by street vendors, the Himachal Pradesh government clarified on Thursday that no such decision has been taken.

Singh, the state Public Works and Urban Development Minister, had told media on Wednesday that it would be mandatory for street vendors, especially those selling food items, to display their identity cards at their shops. He stated that the decision was modeled after the one implemented by the Uttar Pradesh government.

However, the state clarified through a statement that it has not made any decision to mandate such identity displays at vendor stalls. This clarification follows recent massive protests after alleged unauthorized demolitions, which led to demands for registering outside workers. The issue has prompted the assembly speaker to form a committee focused on policies for street vendors.