DC regulates movement of migrant workers in Shimla

The Shimla district administration has issued stringent regulations concerning the entry and engagement of migrant workers, along with a ban on public gatherings in several sensitive areas of the city, effective immediately and continuing till September 30.

According to an official order by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap, no employer, contractor or trader is permitted to hire migrant workers for any informal job, service or contractual work unless the worker first submits their personal details and a passport-sized photograph to the Station House Officer (SHO) of the police station concerned. This order has been issued under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.

The DC said individuals arriving in Shimla cannot engage in self-employment, informal trade or seek work without reporting to the local police. Violations of these directives will lead to punitive action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. In a separate order under Section 6 of the Punjab State Security Act, 1953, DC Kashyap has imposed a complete ban on public meetings, rallies, processions, slogan-shouting, musical bands and the carrying of potentially dangerous items in ten key areas of Shimla town. This move is aimed at maintaining public order during the specified period.

The restricted zones include: Chhota Shimla to The Ridge and Kennedy House; Rendezvous Restaurant to Rivoli Cinema (150 metres range); Scandal Point to Kali Bari Temple; Chhota Shimla Gurdwara to Kasumpti Road Link; Chhota Shimla Chowk to Raj Bhavan via Oak Over; Chhota Shimla Gurdwara to Satti Stairs towards Kasumpti Road; Cart Road to Majitha House Link Road; AG Office to Cart Road; CPWD Office to Chaura Maidan; and police post above DC Office to 50 metres toward Lower Bazaar

These restrictions exclude police, military and paramilitary personnel on duty. Public events in these areas will require prior permission from the competent authority. Violators will face strict legal action.