Numaish stall allotments face allegations of broker control, inflated prices

For generations of Hyderabadis, the arrival of the All India Industrial Exhibition, or the Numaish, has been a much-awaited annual ritual. As preparations are underway for the 2026 edition, a major row has surfaced in the allotment of stalls with allegations that stalls meant to be allotted through a formal application process are being sold at double or even triple the official rates through a network of brokers.

When The Hindu reporter visited the exhibition grounds to enquire whether a stall could still be set up for the Numaish, scheduled to begin on January 1, several individuals present at the venue said the legitimate application process had ended on November 15. “Agar aapku abhi stall hona toh black me lena padta (If you want a stall now, then you will have to purchase it in black),” said one person seated near the central circle of the grounds.

Preparations underway at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds ahead of the upcoming Numaish 2026, with workers setting up temporary structures and infrastructure in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR

Another individual directed the reporter to the Ajanta Gate area, suggesting that brokers stationed there could arrange a stall at a higher price. “Wo Ajanta Gate ke pass jaake malum karo, dukaan miljati aapku (Go near Ajanta gate and ask, one of the brokers there will help you get a stall), “ he said, adding that the situation was similar to buying cinema tickets in black.

According to allegations, while stall allotment is officially governed by a documented application process, the reality on the ground is different. Multiple brokers allegedly secured several stalls at the officially prescribed rates and are then selling or reselling them to vendors at highly inflated prices.

Preparations underway at the Nampally Exhibition Grounds ahead of the upcoming Numaish 2026, with workers setting up temporary structures and infrastructure in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR

As per the application form for the 2026 Numaish, the rent for a regular stall measuring 10×12 is ₹1 lakh. A two side opening small stall measuring 8×8 is priced at ₹1.15 lakh. Periphery stalls are priced at ₹1.55 lakh from Gate 1 to Gate 2, ₹3.05 lakh from Gate 2 to Gate 3, and ₹2.05 lakh from Gate 3 to Sarojini Naidu Vanita College. The form also states that stalls in prime locations would attract an additional premium, to be decided by the exhibition society.

However, Mr. Abrar, who has brought the issue to light, alleged that a stall officially priced at ₹1 lakh is being sold for ₹2 lakh, while a ₹1.15 lakh stall is fetching ₹4.3 lakh. Periphery stalls priced at ₹3.05 lakh are allegedly being sold for ₹8 lakh, and those priced at ₹2.05 lakh for around ₹4 lakh.

Mohammed Sardar, who ran a stall named ‘AR Rajasthan’ selling bedsheets and other items at the exhibition this year, said he paid ₹9.5 lakh for a periphery stall officially priced at ₹2.05 lakh. “I was the third purchaser of that stall. Initially, a broker bought it for ₹2.05 lakh, then it was sold to someone for ₹7 lakh. I eventually had to purchase it for ₹9.5 lakh,” he said.

A group of affected individuals have written to Chief Minister, the IT Minister and the Director General of Police, alleging opaque and discriminatory practices in stall allotments. “Certain individuals involved in the allotment process had been allotted multiple shops, in some cases up to 50 stalls, which appeared to be benami in nature and intended to serve vested interests. Shops were being diverted through fake or proxy allotments, resulting in gross discrimination among genuine applicants,” said their representation.

Meanwhile, Exhibition Society secretary Rajeshwar has denied the allegations saying that the process is transparent and only those who do not get stalls make such allegations. “The allotment is not done in any closed or separate place. Applicants are called, officials are present, and the process happens before everyone,” he said.