Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh claimed that his remarks on vendors were given a communal colour

Shimla: Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Monday clarified that his recent comments on registration and verification of street vendors were deliberately misrepresented for political and communal purposes. He emphasised that his statement was based on the legal framework established by the Centre’s 2014 Street Vendors Act and had no connection with any policy of Uttar Pradesh, as inferred by some.

“Whatever I said was completely in accordance with the law and the Centre’s 2014 Street Vendors Act,” Singh said after returning from a meeting with top Congress leaders in Delhi. He informed that he has informed the party leadership about his position and added, “For us the party line is paramount, but at the same time, it is my responsibility to raise the state’s issues and protect its interests.”

Dismissing media reports that he had been summoned by the party high command over the controversy, Singh said his Delhi visit was pre-scheduled. “I was not summoned by the high command. My meeting with the Railway Board chairman and discussion on urban development was scheduled long ago. Whenever I am in Delhi, I meet senior leaders to discuss issues related to Himachal Pradesh,” he clarified.

Singh pointed out that the Street Vendors Act of 2014 was implemented in Himachal Pradesh after an amendment in 2016 and courts had mandated its full enforcement in earlier judgments of 2010 and 2012. “Implementation of the Street Vendors Act is already underway in the state and an all-party committee has been formed to monitor the matter. The law will apply equally to all vendors, whether they are from Himachal Pradesh or other states,” he said.

He criticised the communal narrative attached to his remarks and asserted that his comments were misrepresented. He said, “It is unfortunate that my statement was linked to the policy of another state and given a communal colour. What I said was completely in accordance with the law.”

Talking about the future, Singh said an all-party meeting is scheduled to be held on October 3 under the chairmanship of Industry Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan to discuss the comprehensive implementation of the Street Vendors Act. “Leaders of various parties will be present to discuss the matter,” he said.

Singh confirmed that Himachal Pradesh is open to people from all states, religions and castes seeking employment, but stressed the need for verification for both Himachali and non-Himachali vendors. “Verification is necessary for the internal security of the state and this process will follow legal provisions. Internal security must be ensured at all costs,” he stressed.