Delhi's Najafgarh Market Vendors Told To Display ID On Carts To Curb 'Illegal Bangladeshi' Sellers

Street vendors at the vegetable market in Najafgarh, Delhi, will now be required to display their names and phone numbers on their carts, following an order from the local councillor and market association.

The new rule, introduced reportedly to prevent "illegal" Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants from selling produce in the area, was implemented after complaints surfaced about unidentified vendors in the market.

Under this scheme, each cart will receive a unique "number" assigned by the market association, and vendors must undergo identity verification using documents such as their Aadhar card. Approximately 300 street vendors operate in the Najafgarh market, and only those with nameplates will be allowed to sell produce.

Local BJP councillor Amit Kharkhari stated that the rule was introduced for security purposes and is "not meant to discriminate against anyone or any particular community."

Santosh Rajput, president of the Najafgarh Vyapar Mandal, noted that the association would maintain records of all vendors and their identity verification, which will then be submitted to local police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for security purposes. The verification process is set to conclude by 20 November.

"With this move, we aim to improve the system in the vegetable market. If the names and phone numbers of vendors are displayed on their carts, any buyer with a grievance can report it to us. This will also help us identify illegal migrants selling goods. We will forward their details to the MCD and the police," said Rajput.

Previously, similar decisions in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh regarding nameplates for street vendors were rescinded following backlash over concerns of discrimination.