Amid Financial Strain : HP Govt withdraws HPTDC concessions for Journalists & Board Members
Shimla/Dharamshala, June 15
In a significant austerity measure, the Himachal Pradesh Government has withdrawn all discount and concessional facilities being provided by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) to accredited media persons, members of the Board of Directors, the Chairman and the Managing Director of the corporation.
The decision has been communicated through an official order issued by HPTDC Managing Director Rajiv Kumar on Monday. The directive follows instructions conveyed by the Special Secretary (Tourism and Civil Aviation), Government of Himachal Pradesh, through a letter dated June 8, 2026.
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According to the order, the withdrawal of concessions has been necessitated by the prevailing financial condition of both the state government and HPTDC. The order states that all discounts and concessional facilities extended to accredited journalists, the Chairman, Managing Director and members of the Board of Directors have been discontinued with immediate effect.
The communication has been sent to all Deputy General Managers, Assistant General Managers, Senior Managers, Managers and in-charges of HPTDC hotel units across the state. They have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the instructions and not allow any discount to the specified categories from the date of issuance of the order.
The Managing Director has also made Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and hotel/unit in-charges personally responsible for enforcing the decision. Any deviation from the instructions could invite accountability on the part of the concerned officers.
The move comes as the state government continues to implement expenditure-control measures in view of its fiscal challenges. The withdrawal of concessions for accredited media persons is expected to draw attention from journalist bodies, as HPTDC hotels have traditionally offered discounted accommodation and hospitality services to accredited members of the press.
With the latest order, all beneficiaries under the affected categories will now be required to pay regular tariff rates at HPTDC establishments across Himachal Pradesh.
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