Ujjain: On Sunday, July 21, Ujjain Municipal Corporation’s Mayor Mukesh Tatwal directed shopkeepers to prominently display the name and phone number of the shop owner outside their establishments. This directive follows similar orders from the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments for shops along the Kanwar Yatra route. Non-compliance with the Mayor’s orders will result in a fine of Rs 2,000 for the first violation and Rs 5,000 for the second violation.

Mayor Tatwal clarified, “The purpose of the order is not to target Muslim shopkeepers but to ensure security and transparency.” The holy month of Sawan begins on July 22, 2024, during which Ujjain, known for the Mahakal Temple, sees a large influx of devotees. Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Mohan Yadav, hails from Ujjain, adding significance to the city during this period.

The mayor-in-council had previously approved a proposal for shopkeepers to display their names in their shops, which was sent to the state government for review. Tatwal explained, “All formalities have already been completed. The implementation was delayed as the nameplates initially had to be of the same size and color. Now, we have relaxed these conditions. Displaying the names and mobile numbers of shopkeepers will now be sufficient.”

Tatwal emphasized that this measure enhances customer safety and is included in the MP Shop Establishment Act and Gumasta License. He stated, “Ujjain is a religious and holy city. People come here with religious faith. They have the right to know about the shopkeeper from whom they are buying goods. If a customer is dissatisfied or has been cheated, then knowing about the shopkeeper can solve his problem.”

Interestingly, shopkeepers in Bodh Gaya have already started putting up display boards with their names due to the influx of pilgrims visiting the Mahabodhi Temple during the month of Sawan.

Orders from UP and Uttarakhand Governments
The trend began with the Muzaffarnagar administration's directive for shopkeepers and cart owners to display their names and workers' names prominently. This measure aimed to prevent disputes during the Kanwar Yatra. Despite objections from left-liberals and Islamists who called the orders discriminatory, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath endorsed the directive, expanding it to all shops along the Kanwar Yatra route. Inspired by Uttar Pradesh, the Uttarakhand government also issued similar orders.

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