Himachal assembly unanimously amend homestay act without any discussion
Dharamshala (Tapovan), Dec 21
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly unanimously amended the homestay act in the house on Thursday, without any discussion. The new provisions proposed hike in the penalty and waive off the penal provisions of imprisonment in the act.
The landmark legislation was enacted by the Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal government in the state in 2002 to regulate and encourage the hospitality unit in the rural areas and to decongest the crowded tourist centres towards the less congested areas of the state. The legislation provided a landmark as thousands of homestay units came up in the villages and outskirts attracting the number of tourists in the state.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu who also holds the portfolio home and finance presented the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration amendment Act 2002 for the discussion, was passed in the house by voice vote of members of both sides. The amendment proposed to register more new hospitality units under the home stays scheme and renewal of registration of tourism units after two years.
The amendment aims to address changes in the scope, activities, and numbers of individuals engaged in home stay units since the enactment of the homestay act. The proliferation of tourism units has posed challenges for regulation and registration functions. The proposed legislation suggests amendments to several sections of the existing act, including the replacement of “time share units” with “home stays” in clause one. The new legislation proposed the amendment in section 3, 25, 46,48,49,51, 59 and 64.
The new legislation also includes the regulation of rope ways, convention centers, and wellness centers. Tourism units operating under state and central schemes must apply for registration within thirty days of the act’s commencement. The proposed amendments in sections 46 and 48 introduce increased penalties, with a lump sum of one lakh and a maximum fine of ten thousand for violations.
Also read:Ten times hike in fine: HP Govt tables amendment in the Homestay Act
Hospitality units face higher fines for willfully obstructing officers on duty, with a penalty of ten thousand replacing a three-month imprisonment and a fine of five thousand. Additionally, the renewal of registration becomes mandatory every two years, requiring applicants to pay the renewal fee.
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