Minister Singh Clarifies Controversial Vendor Policy in Himachal Pradesh

PWD and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh addresses the misrepresentation of his statements regarding the vendor policy in Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing adherence to laws and party guidelines. Singh reiterates the communal aspect of the issue is baseless and reaffirms his commitment to the interests of Himachal citizens.

On Monday, PWD and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh expressed disappointment over the misrepresentation of his statements about the vendor policy in Himachal Pradesh, stating that they were unjustly given a communal twist. Singh emphasized that his remarks were aligned with the law, reiterating his commitment to upholding the interests of Himachal Pradesh's citizens while strictly adhering to his party's guidelines and ideology.

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.'

He clarified the presence of Tibetan residents in the state, saying, '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 party leadership as I visited Delhi for pre-scheduled events.'

Addressing the controversy over 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. We only raised the voice of the people of Himachal. Giving it a communal colour and linking it to another state is unfortunate.'

Singh pointed out that the Rural Urban Livelihood Act, created in 2014 during the UPA government and implemented in Himachal Pradesh in 2016 with amendments, needs further discussion for effective implementation. '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 said.

Singh reaffirmed his commitment to party leadership and Himachal's interests, saying, 'The support of 70 lakh people of Himachal Pradesh is the best for all of us, the Congress party, and me personally. We will always uphold Veer Bhagat Singh ji's values, implementing the party's instructions and ideology in the state.'

He also mentioned the Himachal Pradesh Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, passed in 2014 and implemented in the state in 2016, ensuring proper management of vending zones. 'The High Court of Himachal Pradesh took cognizance of this matter in 2023, stressing the need for proper implementation,' he added.

Singh noted the establishment of a multi-party committee under the Vidhan Sabha Speaker to review these issues, including Congress and BJP MLAs and ministers, to ensure that citizens' interests are safeguarded. 'The voices and concerns of all citizens will be heard and addressed through this process,' he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)