HPTDC to rope in private players to run 14 loss-making properties

The Himchal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) will hand over 14 of its loss-making hotels and cafes to private players to run these on the operate and maintenance (ONM) basis. The decision has been taken to improve the financial position of the corporation.

The Cabinet had in its June 28 meeting approved the proposal of the HPTDC amidst opposition from employees. The Tourism Department issued the directives to the Managing Director, HPTDC, in this regard yesterday.

The 14 properties that the HPTDC has offered to private players are Kashmir House (Dharamsala), Roscommon Old (Kasauli), Sarvari (Kullu), Apple Blossom (Fagu), Shiwalik (Parwanoo), Ulh (Jogindernagar), Hill Top (Swarghat), Lakeview (Bilaspur), Bhagal (Darlaghat), Mamleshwar (Chindi-Mandi), Giriganga (Kharapatthar-Shimla), Chanshal (Rohru), Tourist Inn (Rajgarh-Sirmaur) and Wayside Amenity (Bhararighat-Solan).

The Cabinet had on May 6 advised the Board of Directors of the HPTDC to give some units to private parties on the operate and maintenance basis. The Board had given approval to the handing over of these properties to private players. The HPTDC having a strength of 1,800 employees is one of the 12 loss-making boards and corporations.

The reason being given for the decision is to reduce the losses of the HPTDC by letting private parties to run its loss-making units and at the same time, improve services at these 14 properties. HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali was in favour of the proposal and had pursued it at various levels. He feared opposition from the HPTDC employees and clarified that though the properties would be run on the ONM basis, the ownership would remain with the government and the employees would continue to work on the same terms and conditions.

The state government had constituted a one-man committee to look into the financial health of the HPTDC units and suggest remedial measures. Tarun Shridhar, a retired IAS officer, was entrusted with the task to look into the ailing health of the loss-making HPTDC units and suggest remedial measures to streamline its functioning. Shridhar had submitted a detailed report to the HPTDC within the stipulated time.

Himachal Tribune