Social Activist Bina Rai opposes automatic renewal demand for Lal Bazaar hawkers

Advocate and social activist Bina Rai has strongly opposed the demand for automatic renewal of agreements for hawkers at Lal Bazaar, saying that such a provision does not exist and should not be implemented without proper checks.

Rai said there is no mention of “automatic renewal” in any rules or guidelines related to hawker allotments. “Automatic closure, automatic notice; nowhere is it mentioned that there will be automatic renewal. There is nothing like that. If someone tells you otherwise, it is not correct,” she said.

Rai stressed that the government must follow proper criteria when renewing or issuing allotments. She explained that allotments are given for a certain time, for a certain number of years, and sometimes with specific revenue targets. “The government must have clear criteria. This is the final chance to identify genuine persons who should be eligible. Don’t bring politics into this matter,” she urged.

She further pointed out that if the government’s main concern is revenue, it must verify the income source of applicants. “Some people claim a source of income just to get benefits, but when facilities are given, they don’t even pay properly. That is why I am asking the concerned authorities to take this issue seriously,” Rai said.

Highlighting the problem of unauthorized occupation, Rai claimed that nearly 80 percent of hawker tables are already taken without proper authorization. “There is no need for more occupation without permission. The concerned authority should show me proof; otherwise, I must say most of these claims lack proper documentation,” she said.

Rai also challenged the authorities to present genuine documents for public scrutiny. “If there are genuine documents, I am ready to see them. Bring them to me, and I will check them in public. But I believe 80 percent do not even have allotment orders,” she added. She blamed the department for giving tables and sites without verifying documents or eligibility.

According to Rai, government property cannot be handed over to individuals without strict terms and conditions. “It is not private property; it belongs to the government. How can the government give such land to hawkers without checking documents?” she questioned.

She made it clear that renewal should be done only after proper verification. “If the government has allotted property for a certain time, then after that period it must be renewed only after checking all documents and ensuring that the applicant meets the criteria. Automatic renewal is a wrong concept,” she said.

Rai appealed to the department to act without bias or political pressure. “Do your duty, check the documents, and give allotment only to those who are eligible. This is government property, and there must be terms and conditions,” she said.