Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s Mayor Mukesh Tatwal issued a significant directive requiring shopkeepers to prominently display the name and phone number of the owner outside their establishments. This move follows similar orders recently issued by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments for shops along the Kanwar Yatra route. Non-compliance with this directive in Ujjain will result in fines of Rs 2,000 for the first violation and Rs 5,000 for subsequent violations.
Purpose and Context of the Directive
Mayor Tatwal emphasized that the directive aims to enhance security and transparency, particularly during the holy month of Sawan, which begins on 22nd July 2024. Ujjain, renowned for the Mahakal Temple, draws a vast number of devotees from around the world during this period. Tatwal stated, “The purpose of the order is not to target Muslim shopkeepers but to ensure security and transparency.”
The directive also aligns with the MP Shop Establishment Act and Gumasta License regulations, reinforcing the importance of transparency in commercial operations within the city. By knowing the identities of shop owners, customers can address grievances more effectively, thus enhancing overall consumer safety.
Implementation and Approval Process
The mayor-in-council had previously approved a proposal to allow shopkeepers to display their names in their shops, which was subsequently sent to the state government for objections and formalities. After completing these formalities, the implementation was delayed due to initial requirements for uniformity in the size and color of the nameplates. Mayor Tatwal mentioned, “Now, we have relaxed these conditions. Displaying the names and mobile numbers of shopkeepers will now be sufficient.”
Broader Impact and Similar Measures
The directive in Ujjain follows similar measures taken by shopkeepers in Bodh Gaya, who have already started displaying name boards due to the influx of pilgrims to the Mahabodhi Temple during Sawan.
Background: Orders in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
The initiative began with the Muzaffarnagar administration’s directive requiring shopkeepers and cart owners to display their names and workers’ names prominently, aiming to prevent disputes during the Kanwar Yatra. Despite objections from left-liberals and Islamists labeling the orders as discriminatory, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reinforced the directive, extending it across the Kanwar Yatra Marg. Inspired by Uttar Pradesh, the Uttarakhand government issued similar orders, reinforcing the practice of transparency in pilgrimage routes.
Mayor Mukesh Tatwal’s directive in Ujjain is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and satisfaction of the city’s numerous devotees and tourists. By mandating the display of shopkeepers’ names and contact information, the initiative promotes transparency and accountability, fostering a secure and welcoming environment for all visitors during the holy month of Sawan.