Few takers, Panchkula MC defers draw to allot vending sites
The local Municipal Corporation today postponed a draw for allocating vending zones across the city at the last moment as it failed to get enough applications for the same. The MC had advertised 470 sites for the purpose, but received only 87 applications.
Sources said the MC failed to advertise the event effectively. It is alleged that some persons in the corporation colluded to help some select vendors get prime locations.
The MC had identified 778 sites for allocation to street vendors. A survey in 2017 recorded the presence of 3,718 vendors. The office had already carried out six draws and allocated 564 sites. As over 200 persons failed to utilise the sites, the MC cancelled the allotted sites. It then decided to advertise all 470 vacant sites.
Vendors said they were not informed about the draw. Some sites were vacant at important locations in Sectors 2, 4, 8 and 15, they said, adding that these sites were preferred as they attracted more footfall.
Mayor Kulbhushan Goyal said he intervened in the matter and the draw was postponed by another week. Asked whether the MC had properly advertised the draw, the Mayor said he did not have information about it. “Had they advertised the sites properly, we would have received more applications. So, we took a cognisance of the fact that we have received only 87 applications against 470 sites. A number of applicants were from outside Panchkula, which is not allowed. We will hold a meeting of the Town and Vending Committee and will conduct a draw next week.”
