Indian states implement caste & religious discrimination act at restaurants

Muslims in India say they have been fired from their jobs and face the closure of their businesses after two states brought in what they say is a “discriminatory” policy. 

The new rule in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh makes it mandatory for restaurants to publicly display the names of all their employees.

Names in India widely signify religion and caste 

Muslim business owners fear that the policy will make them victims of targeted attacks or economic boycotts, particularly by hardline Hindu groups that are active in the state.

The policy was first introduced by Yogi Adityanath, a hardline Hindu monk who is the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. 

Last month, Himachal Pradesh, which is governed by the opposition Congress party, also announced it would also make it compulsory for all names of workers and employees to be put on display.

Both state governments have said it is to ensure compliance with health and safety rules and vending regulations in the north Indian states. 

However, locals and activists have alleged that the new rules are instead a thinly veiled attack on Muslim workers and establishments.

Business owners in Uttar Pradesh say they have fired Muslim staff as a result of the new laws, fearing they would become a target. 

Other Muslim-run businesses said they had already been harassed as a result of the policy, with some considering closure.

Calls for economic boycotts of Muslims have been prominent in Uttar Pradesh and attacks against Muslim vendors have been rising over the past five years.