Indian Express 08.12.2010
‘Owners who give up kiosks will lose deposits and get blacklisted’
Municipal Corporation takes tough stand in Night Food Street controversy
Taking a firm stand with respect to Night Food Street kiosk owners who had given a representation to the Municipal Corporation (MC) for giving up their kiosks, the civic body has told them that in case they want to give up the kiosks their security deposits, which run into lakhs of rupees, would be forfeited and the contractors would be blacklisted. It has further been stated that the demand for increasing the size of the kiosks cannot be agreed to. However, suggestions about landscaping as well as making better provisions for lights would be looked into.
A meeting of kiosk owners with the Mayor, some councillors and concerned officials was held today. The owners had in a representation given to the Additional Commissioner on Monday stated that they want to give up the kiosks. They had further demanded that their security deposits be returned.
At today’s meeting, the owners were given time till Wednesday afternoon to decide whether they want to give up their kiosks. The contractors have also been told that if they vacate the kiosks, these would be re-allotted to other people.
The contractors demanded that no checks should be conducted at the kiosks, a demand that was rejected. The civic body would, however, be providing a copy of the terms and conditions to the Administration. During the checks by the team from the Administration, the contractors were told that in case they use the furnace in the kiosks, they would not be allowed to function in the area. It was discussed at the meeting that since this is not part of the Municipal Corporation’s terms and conditions, the Administration would be asked to take note of it.
Meanwhile, the issue seems to have created a divide among the kiosk owners. Those who were recently allotted kiosks after the MC reverted to the system of inviting bids are reluctant to leave as their rents are lower. However, there are three contractors who were allotted the kiosks when auctions were held earlier this year. These three are paying high rents are reportedly more keen on giving up their kiosks.
