'Allotment of food outlets at IITF done in transparent manner'

Government's trade promotion agency ITPO today said that the allotment of food outlets running at India International Trade Fair has been done through a "completely transparent" e-tendering process.
"The news articles published in various newspapers regarding food outlets operation during 36th India International Trade Fair (IITF) stating that food outlets inside Pragati Maidan are running without valid trade licences issued by SDMC (South Delhi Municipal Corporation).
"It is clarified that the allotment of food outlets has been done through completely transparent e-tendering process," ITPO, which organises the IITF, said in a statement.
It said the first contract of food outlet was awarded on November 7, 2016 and the last one on November 13 and process of obtaining mandatory licences from concerned Government authorities is the second step.

"The instructions to the allottees were given to procure online SDMC Trade licence for their premises. The complete list of F&B (food and beverages) allottees was provided to SDMC health team on November 13, 2016. ITPO has not come across any incident of subletting by the F&B vendors," India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) said.
The trade promotion agency of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry also termed as "baseless" the reports regarding unauthorised placement of chairs and tables.
"ITPO is continuously in touch with the SDMC health team deputed at Pragati Maidan and is providing assistance to the F&B allottees for issuance of trade licences through online application.

"ITPO's F&B Unit officials are keeping strict vigil on the activities of F&B vendors through regular inspections and surprise checks. By now most of the F&B food outlet operators have obtained their licences," it said.