Homestays leased out further in Himachal may lose licence; owners of unregistered units could face hefty fine
- FIR against Solan Hindu Samaaj leaders over violence during rally, cross-marking shops of certain community - September 17, 2024
- ED raids shake Nadaun again, crusher owner taken to Delhi for questioning - September 17, 2024
- Sacred Soul Cambridge School’s under-14 wrestlers shine with 1 gold, 2 bronze - September 17, 2024
The Newz Radar Network
The Himachal Pradesh government is planning to take stringent measures against homestays that have been leased out after obtaining licence. A decision to revoke the licences of homestays operating on lease is expected soon.
Of the 4,146 registered homestays in the state, approximately 60 per cent are running on lease. According to rules, the licence holder must personally operate the homestay and reside in the same building where the homestay is located. The government has also decided to shut down over a thousand unregistered homestays and bed-and-breakfast (B&B) establishments.
A Cabinet Sub-Committee, formed to amend homestay rules, is expected to take tough decisions in its upcoming meeting on July 23. Under the Tourism Development and Registration Act, 2002, a six-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 were stipulated for operating unregistered units. The amendment bill proposes to eliminate the imprisonment but increase the fine to Rs 1 lakh.
Additionally, the license period may be reduced from five years to two years after registration. Homestays operated by individuals from outside the state will also be closed, allowing only Himachal Pradesh residents to operate them. There are also plans to increase registration and renewal fees and to impose a cess on homestays based on the facilities provided, aiming to boost government revenue. Bed-and-breakfast units will also be brought under the purview of the Tourism Department’s regulations.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee, chaired by Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, includes Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh and Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani. Director of Tourism and Civil Aviation Department Manasi Sahay Thakur serves as the member secretary.
Currently, 16,635 rooms with a bed capacity of 25,511 are being operated under 4,146 homestays in the state. Kullu district has the highest number of registered homestays, totaling 1,015. The number of double bedrooms in homestays stands at 12,171.
