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Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Petition filed in SC against UP's QR code directive for Kanwar Yatra vendors
The Supreme Court will hear a plea on Tuesday challenging Uttar Pradesh's directive mandating QR codes and owner identities at Kanwar Yatra food stalls. Ahead of the Kanwar Yatra starting July 11, UP mandated food stalls to display QR-code licences and complaint info to boost hygiene and food safety on the route. (Sunil Ghosh / Hindustan Times) The petition, filed by Apoorvanand Jha earlier this week, argued that the directive violates the top court's July 2024 interim order that stayed similar measures on the grounds that they were not legally mandated and could lead to discriminatory profiling. A bench headed by justice MM Sundresh is set to hear the matter on July 15. Ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on July 11, the state government had introduced a new digital measure to strengthen food safety — all food vendors along the pilgrimage route will be required to display QR-code-based licences and complaint details. These QR codes, linked to the Food Safety Connect App, will allow pilgrims to instantly verify hygiene approvals and report unsafe practices. Citing a press release issued by the UP administration on June 25, Jha, one of the petitioners who had approached the court last year, said, 'The new measures mandate the display of QR codes on all eateries along the Kanwar route, which reveal the names and identities of the owners, thereby achieving the same discriminatory profiling that was previously stayed by this court.' The top court had issued an interim stay on the enforcement of such directives on July 22, 2024, observing that the display of personal identity was neither backed by law nor necessary under food safety compliance. The court had clarified that no food stall owner can be forced to display their identity and that it will be open for persons to do so voluntarily. Advocate Akriti Chaubey, who filed Jha's application, said, 'Despite the above orders, it is now apparent that the state of Uttar Pradesh and other authorities are circumventing the stay by reintroducing the same directive stating that, as in the previous year, the name of the operator should be clearly displayed at each shop under the garb of public safety and maintenance of law and order.' Also Read: UP govt mandates QR licences for food vendors during Kanwar Yatra The application said that the state asking stall owners to reveal religious and caste identities under 'lawful license requirements' breaches the right to privacy of the shop, dhaba, and restaurant owners. It said that the licence certificate displayed in the shop reveals the name of the owner and can be easily accessed. Such 'vague and overbroad' directives to display religious identity give scope for violent enforcement of such a manifestly arbitrary demand both by vigilante groups and by authorities on the ground, the application added. The application, raising concerns about the risk to the fundamental rights of shop owners, has sought an immediate stay on the state's directive when the matter comes up for hearing on Tuesday. Also Read: Vendors on Kanwar Yatra route: Authorities talk of going soft, but compliance begins on ground Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand last year had directed all shopkeepers selling food items on the Kanwar Yatra route to display names of owners and the employees at a prominent place outside the shop, dhaba, or restaurant. Besides Jha, other petitioners who challenged the directive include Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra and the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR). The states last year had defended their decision requiring shop owners and their employees to disclose their identities, citing regulations under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which mandate food businesses to display such details. The UP government in an affidavit filed last year said that the idea behind the directive is transparency and informed choice of the Kanwariyas regarding the food they eat, keeping in mind their religious sentiments. Denying any discrimination on religious or community lines, the state affidavit added, 'The temporary nature of the directives ensures that they do not inflict any permanent discrimination or hardship on the food sellers, simultaneously ensuring maintaining the sentiments of Kanwariyas and their religious beliefs and practices. The directive applies to a limited geographical extent to all eatery owners, regardless of their religious or community affiliations.'
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- New Indian Express
UP makes QR code stickers mandatory for eateries, steps up food safety drive ahead of Kanwar Yatra
LUCKNOW: With Kanwar Yatra all set to kick off on Friday with the advent of the holy month of Shravan, the Uttar Pradesh government intensified its food safety and cleanliness campaign along the pilgrimage route. The state government has made it mandatory for all eateries to display QR-code-enabled stickers linked to the Food Safety CONNECT App. While the state government officials claim it to be a digital food safety reform aimed at ensuring hygiene, transparency, and accountability for the estimated four crore pilgrims expected to undertake the Yatra this year, the eatery owners consider it the 'official version of the nameplate diktat'—a reference to last year's government order (GO) that had snowballed into a controversy. As per the new norms, the QR-code-based sticker—linked to the Food Safety Connect App—is now mandatory on all food establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route. Scanning the sticker reveals the owner's name, registration number, address, and menu details. According to senior state government officials, the move is not just a technological upgradation but a hygiene and transparency reform. The official sources confirmed that teams were placing stickers on all eateries—from high-end restaurants to roadside stalls. They said that citizens could also file complaints via the app on finding sub-quality food. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has also directed shopkeepers to display rate lists and maintain high standards of cleanliness. Expired products and uncovered juices have been destroyed in several inspections, especially in Muzaffarnagar, Lucknow, Meerut, and Ayodhya. While the state government has decided to stay away from issuing any fresh directive about nameplates or religious identification ahead of this year's Kanwar Yatra, the digital sticker bearing the owner's name and registration has reminded traders of July 2024, when the UP Police issued the controversial order for shop owners on the 240-km Kanwar route to display their names and phone numbers prominently. Officials maintained that the Food Safety Connect App was part of a wider initiative to ensure food safety during monsoon and mass gatherings. To ensure smooth movement and safety of Kanwariyas along with better coordination with respective district administrations during the Kanwar Yatra, top officials from states including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand convened a high-level meeting at the Commissioner's Office in Meerut earlier this week. The inter-state coordination meeting, attended by UP Chief Secretary Manoj Singh, DGP Rajeev Krishna, and other senior officers from the other three states, finalised a detailed action plan for crowd management, law and order, and pilgrim convenience.
News18
3 days ago
- News18
UP Govt Makes QR Code Stickers Mandatory For Eateries Along Kanwar Yatra Route
Last Updated: Scanning the sticker reveals the owner's name, registration number, address, and menu details and can also be used to give feedback Ahead of the Kanwar Yatra kicking off on July 11, the Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its food safety and cleanliness campaign along the pilgrimage route by making it mandatory for all eateries to display QR-code-enabled stickers linked to the Food Safety CONNECT App. The move is aimed at ensuring hygiene, transparency, and accountability for the estimated four crore pilgrims expected to undertake the Yatra this year. But what officials tout as a digital food safety reform, several traders quietly refer to as the 'official version of the nameplate diktat"—a reference to last year's controversial government order that had snowballed into a communal flashpoint. QR Code Stickers To Display Owner's Details The QR-code-based sticker—linked to the Food Safety Connect App—is now mandatory on all food establishments along the Kanwar Yatra route. Scanning the sticker reveals the owner's name, registration number, address, and menu details. 'This is not just a tech upgrade. It's a hygiene and transparency reform," said Rekha S Chauhan, Special Secretary and Additional Commissioner, FSDA. 'Our teams are placing stickers on all eateries—from high-end restaurants to roadside stalls. Citizens can also file complaints via the app if they find food quality lacking." The FSDA has also directed shopkeepers to display rate lists and maintain high standards of cleanliness. Expired products and uncovered juices have been destroyed in several inspections, especially in Muzaffarnagar, Lucknow, Meerut, and Ayodhya. While there has been no fresh directive this year about nameplates or religious identification, the digital sticker bearing the owner's name and registration has revived memories of July 2024, when the UP Police issued a controversial order for shop owners on the 240-km Kanwar route to display their names and phone numbers prominently. The order, later extended state-wide by the government on July 9, 2024, was seen by many as an attempt to identify Muslim-owned shops operating under Hindu names. It triggered backlash after incidents were reported of religious profiling, including a shocking case where a self-proclaimed religious leader's team forced a restaurant staffer to partially disrobe to prove his religion. 'This time there's no written order on nameplates, but the QR code makes everything visible. You scan it, and you know who the owner is," said a hotelier in western UP. 'That's why many of us are calling it the new version of the 'nameplate diktat'—just digitised." Focus on Hygiene, Not Identity Officials have maintained that the Food Safety Connect App is part of a wider initiative to regulate food safety during monsoon and mass gatherings. Vijay Pratap Singh, Assistant Commissioner (Food) in Lucknow, said: 'On July 2, our teams inspected fruit and vegetable sellers across Indira Nagar, Kursi Road, and other areas. We placed stickers, checked licenses, and destroyed over 45 kg of rotten produce. Food sellers have been warned against selling uncovered or poor-quality items." The campaign will continue throughout July under the state's vector-borne disease control initiative. To ensure smooth movement, safety, and better coordination during the Kanwar Yatra, top officials from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Uttarakhand convened for a high-level meeting at the Commissioner's Office in Meerut earlier this week. The inter-state coordination meeting, attended by UP DGP Rajeev Krishna, Chief Secretary Manoj Singh, and senior officers from the other three states, finalised a detailed action plan for crowd management, law and order, and pilgrim convenience. As part of the decisions taken, all liquor shops along the Kanwar route will be covered with curtains during the Yatra. Though they will remain operational, their visibility will be restricted to avoid provocation. Surveillance through drones will be carried out continuously, and traffic police will implement a revised traffic flow plan from the night of July 10, under which one lane will be exclusively dedicated to Kanwariyas and another for light vehicles. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed inside city limits during the peak period of the Yatra. Additionally, every 15 kilometers, an IPS-level officer will be deployed to monitor the situation and ensure immediate response to any disturbances. A special WhatsApp-based coordination group has also been created with officers from all four states to facilitate real-time communication, updates, and troubleshooting. The measures reflect the scale of the Yatra, which is expected to draw more than 4 crore participants this year. While the state has taken a more systemic and administrative approach this year, fringe elements haven't stayed quiet. On June 28, Swami Yashveer Maharaj and his team entered a dhaba on suspicion that it was owned by a Muslim but being operated under a Hindu name. They reportedly demanded Aadhaar verification and publicly humiliated the staff when they refused. Though the state hasn't endorsed such actions, traders say the atmosphere remains tense, especially when shop names are scrutinised informally. Feedback Linked via QR Codes In cities like Lucknow, QR stickers are also being used to collect real-time food feedback. This allows FSDA officials to identify problem spots and take action immediately. 'We're not just regulating. We're creating a participatory system," said Rekha Chauhan. She said that clean food, verified kitchens, and accessible complaint mechanisms are the goals behind the move. Chief Secretary's Directive: No Compromise on Quality UP Chief Secretary Manoj Singh reiterated that no compromises will be made on the quality of food served. 'FSSAI officials will inspect every kitchen. From DJ volume to canal water levels, every detail is being tracked. Our WhatsApp-based coordination group across four states is fully active." He added that only pure vegetarian food should be served along the Kanwar route, and PWD, electricity, and irrigation departments have been told to fix past lapses to prevent mishaps. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Kanwar yatra liquor shops uttar pradesh Yogi Adityanath view comments Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: July 10, 2025, 14:10 IST News india UP Govt Makes QR Code Stickers Mandatory For Eateries Along Kanwar Yatra Route Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
QR stickers, tight surveillance, 838 rest sheds–540 km route ready for Kanwar Yatra
With the holy month of Shravan days away, the Meerut region has come alive with preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, which is set to begin on July 11 and culminate on Sawan Shivratri on July 23. Over 20 lakh pilgrims are expected at Pura Mahadeva alone. (HT) Millions of kanwariyas, carrying holy Ganga water, will visit temples like Pura Mahadeva in Baghpat and Augharnath in Meerut. The Meerut Range, encompassing Meerut, Bulandshahr, Baghpat and Hapur districts, anticipates over 20 lakh devotees at Pura Mahadeva alone. To support them, 838 temporary camps provide food, shelter, and medical aid. Additionally, 184 rest points line the 540-kilometer route. Security arrangements are unprecedented this year, with a heavy police presence and cutting-edge technology ensuring pilgrim safety. Hundreds of police personnel are deployed across the route, supported by 119 security barriers equipped with CCTV cameras. Drones are being extensively used to monitor the 540-kilometre Kanwar route, providing real-time surveillance to prevent incidents and manage crowds. A key highlight this year is the QR code system for eateries on the Kanwar route. On Wednesday, food safety officials in Muzaffarnagar and Meerut began pasting QR stickers at restaurants and dhabas. Linked to the Food Safety Connect App, these stickers, when scanned, reveal the establishment's registration number, owner's name, address, and menu details, ensuring access to hygienic, satvik (pure vegetarian) food. Divisional commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod emphasised, 'The QR code system promotes transparency, ensuring kanwariyas are not overcharged and can trust the food's purity.' Rekha S. Chauhan, special secretary and additional commissioner of FSDA, elaborated, 'A special drive has been launched on all kanwar routes. We are putting up Safety App Connect stickers on all food stalls, eateries, and restaurants. Owners have been instructed to display proper rate lists for all items. Food quality is being checked along all routes, and hygiene is also being assessed.' Non-compliant eateries face fines up to ₹2 lakh under the Food Safety Act, 2006. Manoj Saini, a restaurant owner on the Meerut-Muzaffarnagar highway, said, 'Officials visited my shop. We were instructed to maintain cleanliness during the Kanwar Yatra.' Kanwariya Aman Kumar from Ghaziabad praised the initiative: 'QR codes make it easy to choose safe, pure food. It gives us confidence during our journey.' Anita Devi, a kanwariya from Hapur, remarked, 'QR codes and clean food stalls make us feel cared for. It's a long walk, but these efforts make it easier to stay focused on Lord Shiva.' Meerut Range DIG Kalanidhi Naithani stated, 'Our drone surveillance system, combined with a robust police deployment, ensures comprehensive monitoring of the yatra. We've stationed women police personnel at key points and established Lost and Found centres to assist pilgrims, particularly in 184 mixed-population areas where communal harmony is a priority.' Meerut SP (City) Ayush Vikram Singh said round-the-clock patrolling and drone surveillance were being done. State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force teams, along with local divers, are on standby for emergencies. Several traffic diversions have been put in place in the region. Meanwhile, the QR code and owner display mandate has sparked a debate, with critics citing risks of communal profiling, a concern raised in the Supreme Court's 2024 pause on a similar directive.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Food Authority Warns Online Platforms: Follow Safety Rules Or "Face Action"
In India, consumption of food - from groceries to cooked dishes - is increasingly being driven by e-commerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, BigBasket, Amazon Fresh, etc. It is important to strengthen food safety and hygiene practices in this rapidly expanding e-commerce marketplace. In a meeting on Tuesday, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO told representatives of leading e-commerce platforms to emphasise food safety and strictly follow "food safety and hygiene protocols or face action". Any non-compliance will be viewed with utmost seriousness, potentially leading to severe action, FSSAI shared in the latest release. The meeting was held at FSSAI headquarters in New Delhi and was attended by over 70 representatives from leading e-commerce platforms. Here Are Some Crucial Directives Issued To The E-Commerce Platforms: 1. Displaying Crucial Information On Receipts All e-commerce entities are directed to prominently display their FSSAI License/Registration numbers on every receipt, invoice, and cash memo provided to consumers. They were also asked to display information regarding the Food Safety Connect App on all consumer-facing documents. The possibility of displaying the "Date of Expiry/Use By" for food products at the consumer interface was also discussed. 2. Disclosing Details Of Warehouses And Storage Facilities E-commerce entities must disclose comprehensive details of all warehouses and storage facilities linked to their operations on the FOSCOS portal. 3. Strict Adherence To Hygiene And Food Safety Protocols The FSSAI CEO instructed all e-commerce platforms to adhere strictly to hygiene and food safety protocols across all their warehouses and storage facilities, ensuring that photographs of these facilities are regularly uploaded to the FOSCOS portal. 4. Compulsory Training Of All Food Handlers All food handlers involved in the process, including e-commerce personnel, must undergo compulsory FSSAI FOSTaC (Food Safety Training & Certification) training in hygiene protocols. Platforms are required to share their training plans and timelines with FSSAI. 5. Transparency And Compliance With The Food Safety Authority Platforms are expected to meticulously follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and rules stipulated under the FSS Act. The necessity for all warehouses associated with e-commerce operations to be duly registered or licensed by FSSAI was strongly reiterated. E-commerce platforms were also directed to share data pertaining to their warehouses, food handlers, and other relevant information with the FSSAI, thereby ensuring enhanced transparency and compliance. The FSSAI emphasised that food safety is a collective responsibility, and every entity involved in the supply chain, from manufacturing to home delivery, is liable for compliance. A collaborative approach is essential to ensure the entire process is extremely safe for consumers.
