Now, Ujjain Civic Body Directs Shopkeepers To Display Names Amid UP Kanwar Order Row

UP government's order that mandated shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments, has now found a new companion in the Ujjain Municipal Corporation in neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

This order, announced by Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal, includes penalties for non-compliance: Rs 2,000 for the first violation and Rs 5,000 for the second.

Photo Credit: PTI

The directive aims to enhance customer safety and is based on the Madhya Pradesh Shop Establishment Act or Gumasta License, said Tatwal.

Tatwal explained, "Ujjain is a religious and holy city. People come here with religious 'aastha'. They have the right to know about the shopkeeper whose services they are availing. If a customer is dissatisfied or cheated, knowing the shopkeeper's details allows them to seek redress." He added that formalities for implementing the order are complete, with relaxed requirements on the size and color of nameplates.

This directive follows a similar order by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route.

Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar police urged eateries to "voluntarily display" the names of their owners and employees to facilitate devotees, adding that the order was not meant to create religious discrimination.

Similar orders were issued in Saharanpur, Shamli, and Haridwar. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended this directive to all Kanwar Yatra routes across the state.

The order has faced criticism from Opposition leaders and activists, who allege it aims to marginalise Muslim traders by displaying the faiths of food sellers.

Criticism also came from BJP allies, Janata Dal (United) and the Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-RV).