Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 14: Former Member Legislative Council (MLC), Ch Vikram Randhawa, along with a delegation of food vendors of Narwal Mandi, called on Director Horticulture, Vishesh Pal Mahajan, in connection with the displacement of these food vendors from the Narwal Mandi, Jammu.
While speaking on the occasion Randhawa said that the Narwal Mandi is being upgraded on the modern lines as part of the ‘Jammu Smart City’, wherein, these food vendors who were feeding their families since decades by selling tea or food at cheaper rates are being thrown out snatching away their livelihood.
Pertinent to mention that an agitation was launched by these vendors following which the former MLC approached them for amicable solution and in this connection, a delegation led by Vikram Randhawa had called on Director Horticulture.
While interacting with the Director Horticulture, Randhawa apprised him that these food vendors are providing tea and food to the poor workers of the Mandi at cheaper rates comparatively to the rates of the canteen of the Narwal Mandi. He said the poor labourers working in Narwal Mandi cannot afford a lunch of Rs 150 or tea for Rs 25 a cup, whereas, these vendors are providing food at Rs 25 to 30 per plate and tea Rs 5 to Rs 10 per cup.
“Throwing them away is going to cost heavily to both vendors as their livelihood will be snatched and at the same time the poor workers will be forced to eat at much higher rates which they cannot afford,” Randhawa added.
Director Horticulture gave a patient hearing and agreed with the suggestion of the former MLC and assured the delegation that sooner a specific place will be identified with the Mandi complex to be declared as Rehri Zone where these vendors would be accommodated so that they may continue with their earnings and labourers may get food at cheaper rates.
The former MLC and the delegation expressed their gratitude to the Director for his kind gesture and promised him that they would abide by the rules and regulations of the administration of the Narwal Mandi.
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