Vikramaditya Singh Clarifies Vendor Policy in Himachal Pradesh
On Monday, Vikramaditya Singh, the PWD and Urban Development Minister of Himachal Pradesh, expressed his disappointment over the misrepresentation of his statements regarding the vendor policy in the state. He emphasized that his remarks were in line with the law and aimed at upholding the interests of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Press Conference in Shimla
During a press conference in Shimla, Singh stated, “We raised the issues of the people of Himachal. As far as vending is concerned, giving it a communal form is unfortunate. Himachal has its separate issues. The discussion was about vending zones to be formed in our Municipal Corporations and strengthening them, but it was given a communal and religious form.”
Clarification on Tibetan Residents
Singh clarified the presence of Tibetan residents in the state, noting, “There are a lot of Tibetans who reside in Himachal and are operating their shops here. Anyone can come here to work. The only thing to be done is registration to maintain the internal security of the state. There is nothing more to the matter.”
Controversy on Restaurant Owners’ Names
Addressing the controversy surrounding the display of restaurant owners’ names, Singh said, “Our intention was very clear that we have to protect the interests of Himachal. There is no question of going out of the party’s ideology. The party’s ideology is our ideology, and it is our responsibility to follow the party’s orders.”
Implementation of the Livelihood Act
Singh pointed out that the Rural Urban Livelihood Act, created in 2014 during the UPA government, was implemented in Himachal Pradesh in 2016 with amendments. He added that further discussions would be needed on how to implement it effectively in the state.
Commitment to Party Leadership
Singh concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the party leadership and the interests of Himachal: “The support of 70 lakh people of Himachal Pradesh is the best for all of us, it is the best for the Congress party, it is the best for the Congress party government, and it is the best for me personally.”
Regulation of Street Vendors
The Himachal Pradesh Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, passed in 2014 and implemented in 2016, was referenced by Singh. He reiterated that it was the responsibility of the state government to ensure that vending zones were properly managed and regulated.
Singh noted that a multi-party committee had been established under the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha to review these issues, including Congress and BJP MLAs and ministers, to ensure that the interests of the people of the state are safeguarded.
Doubts Revealed
Vikramaditya Singh -: Vikramaditya Singh is a politician in India. He is the Public Works Department (PWD) and Urban Development Minister in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and cool weather.
Vendor Policy -: A vendor policy is a set of rules and guidelines for people who sell goods or services, like street vendors.
Communal color -: Giving something a communal color means making it about religion or community differences, which can cause misunderstandings or conflicts.
Rural Urban Livelihood Act -: The Rural Urban Livelihood Act is a law that helps people in both rural (village) and urban (city) areas to find jobs and make a living.
Vending zones -: Vending zones are specific areas where street vendors are allowed to sell their goods or services.
Party’s ideology -: A party’s ideology is the set of beliefs and ideas that a political party follows and promotes.
