Panchkula civic body to begin online booking for Diwali stalls today

Issues terms & conditions; confusion over process: Shopkeepers

Photo for representational purpose only

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, November 8

The Panchkula Municipal Corporation will begin online booking for Diwali stalls in the market areas from 11 am tomorrow amid lack of clarity among shopkeepers. For this, the MC has issued terms and conditions on a dedicated portal - stallbooking.online.

Shopkeepers said though the MC had decided to go ahead with booking for Diwali stalls, there was confusion over the entire process.

A shopkeeper said: “In the past few days, the MC has altered terms and conditions for at least three times. Still, there is no clarity. I want to ask the MC authorities if any shopkeeper decides not to book a space in front of his shop, they will allot that particular space to anyone else (other than shopkeeper) or not.”

Senior officials of the corporation said this was the first-of-its-kind exercise in the city, adding they were trying to keep all troubles at bay to ensure a smooth process.

Panchkula MC Commissioner RK Singh said shopkeepers and vendors could book these stalls by paying a certain amount depending upon the space.

He said spaces in front of SCOs, SCFs, DSSs, bays and booths could only be booked by the owner/lessee/tenant of the shop. In case the booking was made by persons other than owner/lessee/tenant of the shop, it would be rejected and the amount would be forfeited.

“A shopkeeper will utilise the booked space only. In case, any material is found out of the booked area, it will be seized by the Encroachment Wing of the Panchkula MC and the amount twice the standard rates will be charged as penalty,” he said.

As per the conditions, it is mandatory for vendor/shopkeeper to display the booking receipt in front of their shops. “Vendors/shopkeepers/stall holders and their employees will wear the mask, use hand sanitisers frequently and maintain social distancing for customer also as per the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the government. The shopkeeper will ensure that the surrounding area is kept neat and clean,” the guidelines said.