Click to play videoDelhi: Though the trader community might be rejoicing at the government's order to stop all demolitions in Delhi for at least a year, the capital's fashion fraternity which had suffered huge losses during the MCD drive is far from impressed.
February 2006, the capital's leading fashion designers protested against MCD's demolition of two fashion plazas on MG Road. This was followed by the demolition of more fashion hubs in Lal Dora, Shahpur Jat and Mehrauli.
Now the government's order to put a stop on demolitions and de-seal unauthorised buildings hasn't been well received by the fashion frat.
“I think it is a little unfair because all of us lost a lot of business and money. It was very traumatising for all the designers and the other shop owners. I think it is quite lopsided. It is very hypocritical,” says Indian fashion industry’s golden boy Rohit Bal.
“I am not very convinced as to what it’s going to do to improve anything now?” asks a sceptic Suneet Verma.
And the way forward, they believe would be a compensation package by the government for the losses suffered by them.
“It is a little too late for compensation. What is it? Two steps forward, five steps backward?” bemoans designer Rana Gill.
Bal agrees, “When it comes to giving, the government is always confused. When it comes to taking they have a perfect agenda and a perfect plan.”
Many believe that the reason for the government's rather enthusiastic change of heart is no secret.
“Elections are next year. They want to earn brownie points,” Gill says.
“If they're going to give compensations, I would like to know whether that will be before or after the elections,” Verma asks.
So what is the designer community's message for the government?
“Put your mouth where your money is,” Verma says.
It certainly looks like the government's move has gone down as a fashion faux pas with this group.
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