Ujjain: Mahakal temple area’s small traders seek justice for their livelihood

Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh): A decree from the administration ruined the wishes of retailers and handcart traders who used to set-up shops around Mahakaleshwar temple. They thought that in the coming Shravan month after two years of Covid-19 period their livelihood could bounce back, but the decree led to disappointment among them. The administration has given notice to these traders to stop their work for 40 days.

On Monday, retail traders went to the collectorate and submitted a memorandum. In the memorandum addressed to the CM, they said that the administrative and municipal staff have ordered the removal of retail and hand cart traders from Mahakal temple area for 40 days. 400 traders will be directly affected by this. A crisis of livelihood looms in front of them. The traders demanded that like last year, this year too they should be allowed to do business for five days except Sunday and Monday.

Traders said that there are about 400 shops. If the shops remain closed for 40 days then how will they take care of their families? The retail and hand cart traders association has demanded from the Chief Minister that if the Ujjain Municipal Corporation (UMC) is not allowing them to do business, then every trader should be given financial assistance of Rs 300 per day so that they can take care of their family.