Himachal AICC In-Charge Defends State’s ID Requirement for Eateries, Rejects Comparisons to Uttar Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh AICC in-charge Rajeev Shukla defended the state government’s order requiring eateries to display the names of their owners, asserting that linking it to Uttar Pradesh is inappropriate. Shukla stated, “Vikramaditya (Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh) has explained that this measure is intended to ensure that only authorized individuals operate shops. The Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker has established an all-party committee to regulate hawkers and issue licenses. Connecting this to Uttar Pradesh is not right.”

Shukla had previously submitted a report to the Congress High Command regarding the government’s decision. This follows Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s announcement on Wednesday about the mandatory display of outlet owner details during a joint meeting with the Public Works, Urban Development, and Municipal Corporation. He emphasized that every shopkeeper and street vendor must display their identification.

“We held a meeting with the Urban Development department and the Municipal Corporation. The decision aims to ensure that hygienic food is sold, particularly by street vendors,” Vikramaditya stated to reporters. He added that public concerns about food hygiene prompted the implementation of a policy similar to that of Uttar Pradesh, which mandates that vendors display their names and IDs.

The directive from the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh came after the Uttar Pradesh government issued a similar order on Tuesday, requiring food center operators, proprietors, and managers to display their names and addresses. CM Yogi also mandated that chefs and waitstaff wear masks and gloves, as well as the installation of CCTV cameras in hotels and restaurants.