'Just matter of registration....': Vikramaditya Singh addresses communal misrepresentation of vendor policy

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 30 : The PWD and Urban Development Minister, Vikramaditya Singh, on Monday expressed disappointment over the misrepresentation of his statements regarding the vendor policy in Himachal Pradesh, asserting that they had been unjustly given it a communal colour. Singh reiterated that his remarks were in line with the law and emphasised his commitment to upholding the interests of the people of Himachal Pradesh while strictly adhering to his party's guidelines and ideology.
During a press conference in Shimla, Singh said, "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," said Singh.
He further 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. I was not summoned; I met the leadership of the party as I visited Delhi for pre-scheduled events."
Singh also addressed the controversy surrounding the display of restaurant owners' names: "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. We only raised the voice of the people of Himachal. Giving it a communal colour and linking it to another state is unfortunate," he said.
He pointed out that the Rural Urban Livelihood Act, created in 2014 during the UPA government following Supreme Court and High Court orders, was implemented in Himachal Pradesh in 2016 with amendments. Singh added that further discussions would be needed on how to implement it effectively in the state. "An attempt was made to give it a political and religious colour, which is unfortunate. Anyone from any corner of the country can come to the state, it is just a matter of registration so that cleanliness, security, etc. are taken care of, and there is no adulteration," he added.
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. We will always move forward on Veer Bhagat Singh ji's values. Taking the instructions of the workers and the party forward, implementing the instructions of the party completely in the state, implementing the ideology of the state party completely in the state, and moving forward with the basic principles of the Congress party is also our ultimate responsibility."
The Himachal Pradesh Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, which Singh referenced in his statements, was passed in 2014 and implemented in the state in 2016. Singh reiterated that it was the responsibility of the state government to ensure that vending zones were properly managed and regulated, adhering to the law to maintain transparency and security in the state.
"The High Court of Himachal Pradesh took cognizance of this matter in 2023 and stressed the need for the proper implementation of this law," Singh said. He elaborated on the provisions of the Municipal Act, which also deals with the regulation of street vendors and the establishment of non-vending zones.
Singh noted that a multi-party committee had been established under the Speaker of the Vidhan Sabha to review these issues. "Congress and BJP MLAs and ministers have been included in this committee to ensure that the interests of the people of the state are safeguarded," he said, emphasising that the voices and concerns of all citizens would be heard and addressed through this process.