Ujjain Enforces New Rule for Shop Owners to Display Contact Information

Ujjain Municipal Corporation has mandated shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments. This directive, announced on Saturday, follows a similar order by the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route. Violators will face a Rs 2,000 fine for the first offence and Rs 5,000 for subsequent violations, according to Ujjain Mayor Mukesh Tatwal.

The mayor clarified that this measure aims to ensure safety and transparency and is not intended to target Muslim shopkeepers. Ujjain, known for its sacred Mahakal temple, attracts devotees globally, especially during the Savaan month starting Monday. The Mayor-in-Council of Ujjain approved the proposal for shopkeepers to display their names on September 26, 2002. The Corporation House followed suit, and it was then sent to the state government for objections and formalities.

Ensuring Safety and Transparency

Tatwal emphasised that the measure is rooted in the MP Shop Establishment Act or Gumasta License, aiming to enhance customer safety. "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," he said. If customers are dissatisfied or feel cheated, knowing the shopkeeper's details allows them to seek redress.

The implementation of this directive was delayed initially because nameplates were required to be of the same size and colour. However, these terms have now been relaxed. "Displaying the names and mobile numbers of shopkeepers will suffice," Tatwal stated over the phone.

Comparison with Uttar Pradesh Directive

This action mirrors a recent directive in Uttar Pradesh where all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route were asked to display owners' names. The Uttar Pradesh government extended this order statewide on Friday. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami mentioned that similar instructions are already in place there.

Ujjain is set to host the Simhastha Kumbh Mela in 2028, a significant religious fair held every 12 years. This event draws millions of devotees from across India and abroad, making safety measures crucial.

The order has faced criticism from opposition parties and some members of the ruling alliance who argue it targets Muslim traders. Despite this, Mayor Tatwal insists that the directive is purely for ensuring safety and transparency for all customers.

All formalities related to this directive have been completed. The mayor reiterated that this measure is not discriminatory but is meant to protect consumers by providing them with essential information about service providers.