Traders in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district are allegedly being harassed by the Itarsi administration under the guise of encroachment removal, according to Congress leaders Rajkumar Kelu and Amol Upadhyay. The leaders claim that the administration is not complying with the orders issued by the additional secretary of the revenue department, Chandrashekhar Walimbe, on June 26, which stated that encroachments on Nazul land should not be removed during the rainy season. The order also emphasized that government lands temporarily occupied for business should not be vacated and kiosks and handcarts should not be removed without providing alternative spaces for the business owners.
However, the Congress leaders allege that the Itarsi administration is disregarding these directives. At a time when heavy rainfall has hit the city and the prices of essential commodities are skyrocketing, the small businessmen are being subjected to harassment and their kiosks are being demolished using JCB machines, the leaders claim. Additionally, the officials are confiscating the goods stored in these kiosks.
The Congress leaders have warned that if the local administration does not cease its harassment of small traders, the party will launch an agitation. They believe that these actions by the administration are unjustified and exacerbate the burdens faced by ordinary people already grappling with rising costs of essential items.
This issue raises concerns about the treatment of small traders and the administration’s adherence to proper procedures. It calls for a balanced perspective that includes opinions from both sides and emphasizes the need for a resolution that takes into account the business owners’ livelihoods and the administrative requirements.
Overall, it is crucial for the Itarsi administration to address the Congress leaders’ allegations and ensure that small traders are not unfairly targeted. Adhering to the orders of the revenue department and finding practical solutions for the affected business owners are necessary steps for resolving this issue. Additionally, maintaining transparency and open communication between the administration and stakeholders can help foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for small traders during these challenging times.
