Controversy over Himachal Pradesh's Mandatory Display of Outlet Owner Details

Former Himachal Pradesh CM Jairam Thakur defends his administration's initiation of ID cards for vendors, while current minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasizes the need for owner details to bolster internal security. The decision has sparked debate, with an all-party committee formed to oversee the mandate.

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur claimed Thursday that his government launched the process of issuing ID cards for vendors during its tenure, facing considerable scrutiny at the time. His remarks come amid a new government mandate requiring food outlets to display owner details.

Thakur stated that the initiative aimed to identify individuals and ensure transparency. 'We saw many unidentified vendors in Himachal's lanes. People coming from outside the state can hide their identities, which is concerning. Registration and verification processes were necessary,' he said.

Current Himachal Minister Vikramaditya Singh defended the latest mandate, emphasizing it as vital for internal security. 'Shops usually display registration numbers, but this rule is for state security,' Singh told ANI, noting an all-party committee will oversee the regulations. AICC's Rajeev Shukla supported the measure, dismissing comparisons to Uttar Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)