Ten times hike in fine: HP Govt tables amendment in the Homestay Act
Old photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Ten times hike in fine: HP Govt tables amendment in the Homestay Act
Shimla, Dec 20,
The Himachal Pradesh Government presented a bill in the state assembly on Wednesday to amend the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act 2002, seeking to enhance penalties and eliminate imprisonment provisions for violations of the homestay act. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, holding the portfolios of home and finance, introduced the amendment bill, emphasizing the need to regulate tourism units and individuals involved in tourism activities more effectively.
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.
Hospitality units face higher fines for wilfully 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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