MCG set to crack down on non-licensed meat shops

Following the order's of Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's stating that no non-licensed meat shops can operate in Millennium City, the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) is all set to crack down on the roadside meat shops.

A strict guideline has been issued by the MCG for obtaining licenses and this has resulted in most of these shops being on the verge of closure.

From May this year, the MCG has been issuing licenses to various meat shops based on certain criteria. Some of the conditions include having a slaughterhouse in closed premises, possessing a fridge, a proper disposable mechanism for the carcasses.

Till now, the municipality body has issued 25 licenses. But, the city still has hundreds of roadside unlicensed meat shops operating under their noses.

While MCG officials maintain that the main objective of issuing licenses to meat shops and abattoirs is to ensure cleanliness and hygienic environment, most of the shop owners claim that the tough conditions have been a hindrance in their smooth functioning.

These demands have been raised not only by the small time meat sellers but also by those who have been operating for more than 50 years.

"It has been more than ten years since I have been running my shop here. I have loyal customers who have been buying various kinds of items. It is sad that for so many years there was no action and now suddenly an official will come and take away my livelihood. The government must ensure that if they are closing shops they must also ensure job opportunities to those who will be unemployed after the crackdown," said Anwar, a small time meat seller.

According to the MCG officials, the rules are being implemented to maintain hygiene in the city. "Many people don't realise but many are falling ill because of the unhygienic conditions because of these meat shops.

We have provided each owner adequate time to meet the conditions," said a senior MCG official.