Mandi (Munish Sood)
Indira Market, a historic and vibrant commercial hub in Mandi, is embroiled in controversy as 58 shopkeepers have been found subletting their shops in violation of their agreements. The Municipal Commissioner, H.S. Rana, has issued notices to these shopkeepers, demanding a response within 7 days.
Originally envisioned by the late Pandit Sukh Ram Sharma, former Union Minister of State, Indira Market was established to provide employment opportunities to locals and attract tourists. With its unique architecture and bustling atmosphere, it remains a landmark in Mandi city. However, the growing trend of subletting shops for personal profit has raised serious concerns, undermining the market’s original purpose.
Out of 236 shops in the market, 58 shopkeepers violated the terms of their agreements by subletting their government-allotted spaces to other individuals, often for lakhs of rupees. These shopkeepers treated the shops as private property, prioritizing their financial gain over the welfare of the local community.
For years, the issue of subletting was overlooked by successive Municipal Council administrations, primarily due to political considerations. However, Municipal Commissioner H.S. Rana has taken a strong stance, initiating strict action to enforce the terms of the agreements and restore accountability.
In a statement, Commissioner Rana asserted, “Strict action will be taken against those who have violated the agreement. Shops found in violation will be sealed without further warning.”
Investigations conducted by The Newz Radar revealed that many of these shops were sublet by individuals, including some who claim to be social workers. The inquiry highlighted how these shopkeepers exploited the market’s prime location for personal financial benefit, defeating its intended purpose of providing affordable commercial spaces to deserving locals.
On December 4, 2024, the Municipal Corporation issued notices to 54 shopkeepers, while sources confirmed that four notices were sent to addresses not even listed in the original agreements. By December 13, 2024, 14 of these notices had been returned to the Municipal Corporation, as new tenants—who now occupy the shops—refused to accept them.
The Municipal Corporation has made it clear that further inaction will not be tolerated. If responses are not received within the stipulated time, the shops will be sealed, and legal proceedings will follow.
This decisive action by the administration is seen as a move to curb malpractice and ensure that public resources serve their intended beneficiaries. As the controversy unfolds, all eyes remain on the shopkeepers’ responses and the Municipal Corporation’s next steps.
