After UP’s Kanwar Yatra row, Ujjain civic body asks shop owners to display names

Amid the Uttar Pradesh Kanwar Yatra order row, the BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation has now asked shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments.

The mayor stated that the ordinance is not meant to target Muslim store owners, but rather to ensure safety and transparency.

The sacred Mahakal temple in Ujjain, the birthplace of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, draws devotees from all over the world, particularly during the next Savaan month, which begins on Monday.

Tatwal told PTI that on September 26, 2002, the Ujjain Mayor-in-Council approved a proposal allowing shopkeepers to display their names. The Corporation House then approved the plan, which was then referred to the state government for formalities and objections.

"All formalities have been already completed. The implementation was delayed as the nameplates were initially required to be of the same size and colour. Now, we have relaxed these terms. Displaying the names and mobile numbers of shopkeepers will suffice," he said.

He emphasized that the measure is rooted in the MP Shop Establishment Act or Gumasta License, and it serves to enhance customer safety.

"Ujjain is a religious and holy city. People come here with religious aastha (faith). 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," the mayor said.