Ranchi: The Morabadi Vendors’ Market remained shut on Monday as shopkeepers staged a protest against the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC), accusing it of failing to provide basic amenities at the 211-shop complex.The protest was led by the Morabadi Vendor Market Shopkeepers’ Association, whose members said repeated written complaints about poor infrastructure and operational problems had gone unaddressed.Association president Roshan Kumar Sahu alleged that RMC had failed to ensure cleanliness, water supply, electricity and security at the market. “Be it cleanliness, water facility, electricity or safety, RMC does not provide anything,” he said.Association member Pratham Mahto said the lack of waste disposal arrangements and poorly maintained toilets had made the market a health hazard. He said the toilets were not cleaned regularly, the septic tank frequently overflowed and the stench inconvenienced both shopkeepers and customers. Vendors also claimed that there was no designated space to wash utensils.Protesters demanded regular waste disposal, cleaning of toilets, improved water supply, stronger electrical wiring and better security. They also sought sheds and benches for customers, similar to those at a standard food market.Vendors further alleged that RMC staff and security guards routinely extorted money and confiscated goods without issuing seizure inventories.Sahu said RMC officials met the protesters and assured them that action would be taken within 72 hours. “If they fail to fulfil our demands, our next step will be to gherao the RMC office,” he said.
