Traders in Etawah Protest Sealing Notices, Submit Memorandum to CM

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Traders Protest Sealing Notices in Etawah, Submit Memorandum to Chief Minister

In Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, traders have strongly protested against sealing and demolition notices issued by the Municipality, Municipal Corporation, and Housing Development Council. On Wednesday, October 21, traders from the district united to submit a memorandum to City Magistrate Rajendra Bahadur, addressed to the Chief Minister, appealing for immediate action on their demands.

Officials from the Trade Association stated that they have been operating their establishments for years, but are now facing a crisis as these shops are being declared illegal. They argued that development authorities failed to adequately plan for markets during colony development, leading traders to develop markets with their own resources and provide essential facilities to local residents.

These traders are significantly contributing to the national economy through regular payments of commercial electricity bills, house tax, GST, and income tax. Despite this, commercial activities operating in residential areas are being targeted.

Allegations Against Housing Development Council

The delegation accused officials of the Housing Development Council of not presenting facts accurately to the Supreme Court in this matter. They stated that traders are now being harassed under the guise of court orders. If these notices are not immediately halted, thousands of traders could face a severe crisis in earning their livelihood.

In light of this situation, traders have presented several key demands to the Chief Minister. They advocate for the creation of a new law to permit businesses to operate in residential areas. Additionally, they have demanded the implementation of a clear legal framework to regularize pre-existing markets.

Demand for Rehabilitation and Investigation of Guilty Officials

The memorandum also states that the government should ensure rehabilitation arrangements for victims whose shops have been previously demolished. It was also demanded that holding only building owners responsible for illegal construction cases is unfair. The roles of relevant officials and employees should be thoroughly investigated, and those found guilty should be punished to prevent such administrative arbitrariness in the future.

A large number of officials and local traders were present at this protest, including Trade Association's State Senior Vice President Sarvesh Singh Chauhan, District President Alok Dixit, District Vice Presidents Manoj Kumar Katheria, Ashok Jatav, Haji Hannan Mansoori, Sunil Kumar Kushwaha, Riyaz Ahmed, Rahman, Rahul Dixit, Aftab Khan, Dharmendra Yadav, and Hafeez Khan. All unanimously and strongly appealed to the government to immediately withdraw these notices and protect the interests of traders.