Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 2: A delegation of Hotel & Restaurant Association, Katra (HRAK) comprising of its President Rakesh Wazir, Chairman Sham Lal Kesar, senior vice president Virender Kesar, Rajneesh Sharma and others called on Commissioner cum Secretary Tourism Yasha Mudgal and apprised her with regard to various issues related to Tourism industry and Hotel industry in particular.
Joint Director Tourism Sunaina Sharma Mehta, Deputy Director Tourism Savita Chouhan and Assistant Director Tourism Ambika Bali were also present in the meeting. Wazir while speaking on the occasion emphasized that need of the hour is to increase the stay of one crore visiting Vaishnodevi pilgrims and for that places of tourist interests around Katra especially Shiv Khori, Patnitop, Natha Top, Sanasar, Bhaderwah, Mansar, Surinsar, Kol Kandoli, Deva Mai etc are needed to be developed.
He said that all industrial benefits need to be extended to Tourism Sector as well including power to hotels at par with industrial rates and GST re-imbursement to hotels on the pattern of manufacturing Industry. He stressed that in the new policy which is coming for allotment of lands for 5 start hotels, it be ensured that locals may be able to compete in that.
Shyam Lal Kesar said when whole Union Territory of J&K is moving towards ease of doing business and hotels come under Department of Industries and that the Department is doing their registration and likewise giving all benefits also, then the system of dual registrations is not advisable and should be dispensed with and the registration of Hotels, Guest Houses etc. be left with Department of Industries only.
Virender Kesar said that different departments are independent and have vast independent powers and requested that those departments be allowed to function as independent identities and the department should not act on their behalf.
Mudgal listened to the delegation patiently and assured that sympathetic consideration will be given to each and every point raised in the meeting.
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