New Delhi:
In an effort to address security concerns and ensure vendor verification, street vendors at Delhi’s Najafgarh vegetable market are now required to display their names and phone numbers on their carts. The decision, implemented by the local market association in coordination with BJP Councillor Amit Kharkhari, is intended to prevent unauthorized sellers, including suspected illegal migrants, from operating in the area.
The move was announced following a meeting between the market association, Najafgarh Vyapar Mandal, and local authorities after receiving complaints of unidentified vendors, reportedly suspected to be migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, selling produce in the market. Under the new directive, each cart will display a unique “thela number” issued by the association for identification purposes.
According to Santosh Rajput, president of the Najafgarh Vyapar Mandal, vendors are also required to submit identity documents, such as Aadhaar cards, for verification. These records will be kept by the association and shared with the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) and local police for security monitoring.
Rajput emphasized that the goal of the measure is to improve the organization of the vegetable market, while also providing a system for buyers to lodge complaints if needed. “With names and contact numbers displayed on carts, any grievance can be reported, which will also aid in identifying unauthorized vendors,” he stated. The verification process is expected to be completed by November 20, and any vendor without a nameplate will not be permitted to sell produce in the market.
Councillor Kharkhari reiterated that the move was not aimed at any particular community but was a response to security concerns raised by locals. “This decision was unanimously supported by the market association and local residents, solely for the purpose of enhancing security and organization in the market,” he said.
The Najafgarh market currently has around 300 street vendors, all of whom are expected to comply with these new guidelines as part of the broader security effort.
