Lock-down 3.0 has started till May 17 with certain exemptions, but the tourism business in Himachal Pradesh is not likely to recover anytime soon, stated officials of ‘Lal Jhanda’ Labour Union. Adding, that today 3350 hotels and guest houses in addition to 1653 home stays, more than 200 adventure units are lying closed. Also 1314 tourist guides and 899 registered photographers, 27000 taxi drivers and 15000 maxi cab drivers are sitting idle. And dependent of them are the most affected workers of these ventures who too are forced to sit at home.
They stated that in such a situation workers are also afraid of retrenchment, since employers are facing problem of sustaining ventures. Adding that even salary cuts has become the norm of the day and some have not even received March salary, till date.”
They said it may take a long time for the tourism business to become normal. The state government has given some relief to hoteliers but has taken no call for the affected laborers. They demanded that the state government should provide financial aid of Rs 7500/- per month to such effected from the tourism industry. Also to secure employment of such labourer the state government should issue directives to hospitality businessmen, they added.
