Vegetable vendors in Najafgarh area of Delhi now need name plates. Details

Vegetable vendors in Delhi's Najafgarh have been told to display their names and phone numbers on their carts, as per an order by the local councillor and market association. Reportedly, the rule has been introduced after complaints that unidentified sellers are entering the market.

The order aims to prevent “illegal” Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants from selling produce in the area. The process will involve assigning each cart a unique “number" by the market association. Vendors would also have to undergo an identity verification process using documents such as their Aadhar card.

Najafgarh Vyapar Mandal president Santosh Rajput said that records of all vendors would be kept with the market association and their identity verification details would be submitted to the local police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).

“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," Rajput said.

"This will also help us identify illegal migrants selling goods. We will forward their details to the MCD and the police."

Rule for safety, not discrimination: Official

Anyone without a nameplate won't be allowed to sell their items in the market. As per the association, more than 300 street vendors sell vegetables in the Najafgarh market area.

The purpose of the rule is not to alienate or discriminate against anybody, local BJP councillor Amit Kharkhari claimed. He added that the rule has been imposed for security reasons.

The verification process is scheduled to be completed by November 20.

The Uttar Pradesh and Himachal governments had earlier introduced a similar rule that required street vendors to have name plates. However, they were withdrawn following backlash over claims that the rules were discriminatory in nature.