PILGRIMAGE OR PREJUDICE? : UP’s new Kanwar Yatra directives spark outrage

TO SUMMARIZE

In a significant move to maintain the sanctity and ensure transparency during the Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered that all eateries along the pilgrimage route have to display the owner’s names. 
The directive was issued on 19th July, 2024 and is part of a broader strategy to ensure safety, transparency, and sanctity amidst growing concerns over food safety & accountability during the religious event. 
The preparations for the Kanwar Yatra are underway and is set to begin on 22nd July. 

STEP-BY-STEP OCCURENCES

•    Initially, the Muzzaffarnagar police had ordered that all eateries display the owners’ names along the Kanwar Yatra route, which was later made voluntary following intense backlash from opposition parties.
•    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a directive on 19th July mandating eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to prominently feature the names of the owners stating that this initiative was taking to preserve the sanctity of Kanwar Yatra and ensure accountability in food services provided to pilgrims. 
•    Additionally, UP CMO stated that action would be initiated against those found selling Halal certified products. Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal went on to state in relation to the directive that some Muslim sellers sell non-vegetarian food under Hindu-sounding names, thereby deceiving pilgrims. 
•    The opposition has vehemently criticised this move and have called for the courts to take suo motu cognizance of the matter, labelling the directive a “social crime”. 

IMPACT ON OTHER STATES

Following the issuance of the directive, the state of Uttarakhand has followed suit and implemented a similar directive making it compulsory for all food establishments to, including hotels, dhabas, and street food stalls to feature the names of the owners along with a QR code & mobile number. 
Eateries failing to comply with the directive will face strict penalties, including potential removal from the Kanwar Yatra route. 
The Uttarakhand directive has faced backlash similar to the one in Uttar Pradesh, with directives being labelled as discriminatory and a strong contributor to the ongoing discourse around regulatory practices and religious observance. 

IMPACT ON SMALL FOOD VENDORS

•    Economic impact: Display the names of vendors could impact the minority vendors adversely, as it may lead to economic boycotts thereby exacerbating communal tensions and affecting the financial stability of minority vendors. 
•    Legal Ramifications: Directives framed as informal requests rather than legal order cause ambiguity and pose challenges for sellers to contest the directives. They comply to the directives felling pressured and out of fear of legal repercussions. 
•    Communal Relations: The Directive could strain communal relations & increase hostility and violence against vendors identifying as certain communities, deepening religious and social divides. 
•    Public Perception & Safety: Vendors of minority communities could be targeted and be discriminated against if their names are displayed and even deter customers, consequently affecting their profitability and livelihoods. 

The issuance of the controversial directive has ignited substantial debate and concern. While the steps have been laid with the aim of boosting accountability and transparency, it also presents notable challenges for small food vendors, particularly those belonging to the minority communities. 
 The potential risk of economic boycotts, strained community relations, and operational burdens underscores the intricacy of maintaining a balance between religious observance with fair business practices. 
With the Kanwar Yatra nearing, the impact of the implemented policies will be monitored closely with calls for thoughtful assessment of the broader economic and social implications. 

CAPTION: 

PILGRIMAGE OR PREJUDICE? : In a significant move to maintain the sanctity and ensure transparency during the Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh, on 19th July Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered that all eateries along the pilgrimage route have to display the owner’s names. 
The issuance of the controversial directive has ignited substantial debate and concern. While the steps have been laid with the aim of boosting accountability and transparency, it also presents notable challenges for small food vendors, particularly those belonging to the minority communities. 
With the Kanwar Yatra nearing, the impact of the implemented policies will be monitored closely with calls for thoughtful assessment of the broader economic and social implications.