Govt cuts shop prices by 30%

To give BJP an image makeover following an ignominious defeat in the Ayodhya Lok Sabha seat, the Uttar Pradesh government has taken measures to provide relief to displaced shopkeepers and enhance infrastructure in the temple town.

At a board meeting, the Ayodhya Development Authority announced to reduce the cost of shops by 30%.

Hundreds of shops between Faizabad and Ayodhya were demolished to lay Ram Path. Initially, shopkeepers were required to pay Rs20-25 lakh upfront to acquire new shops, a condition the traders could not meet. The policy barred them from obtaining new shops due to high cost.

Reason for defeat

Locals, whose shops were demolished expressed dissatisfaction through votes. This discontent was a major factor in BJP's defeat in Ayodhya. Traders and residents felt the compensation they received was inadequate.

Earlier, ADA introduced local first policy under which shops were given to those whose shops were demolished during the construction of Ram Path. The body handed over the keys of newly allotted shops to displaced shopkeepers, offering them interest-free installments over 20 years.

The decision was taken in the 84th board meeting, chaired by Ayodhya Development Authority Chairman and Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal. Mayor Mahant Girish Pati Tripathi and other officials were present.

A budget of Rs200 crore for 2024-25 was approved, emphasising continued development and support to displaced shopkeepers.

The efforts include the allocation of 341 shops in four multi-storey parking lots, built to accommodate those displaced by widening of Rampath, Bhakti Path and Janmabhoomi Path. To date, 250 shopkeepers have received the keys. The new commercial areas, including Kaushalesh Kunj, Amaniganj and Tedhi Bazar, have shops worth Rs8-18 lakh, which will be allocated fairly through a draw of lottery.