The Employees Union of Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation has strongly criticized the corporation’s officials for providing misleading information in response to the High Court’s inquiry about its financial status, revenue, and hotel occupancy.
The union alleges that the HPTDC officials misinformed the court and has vowed to present the “real facts” to the judiciary. They are calling for the removal of the HPTDC Chairman, accusing him of misdirecting employees and concealing critical information.
Union leader Hukum Ram emphasized the severe consequences of closing nine operational HPTDC hotels, including prominent properties like Chail Palace, Log Hut, and Nagar Castle. He stated, “If these hotels are shut down, it will severely affect the staff and the tourism sector. These employees deserve their rights, and the court’s decision should reflect that.”
The Himachal Pradesh High Court recently ordered the closure of nine out of 18 HPTDC hotels by November 25, with a plan to be submitted by March 31, 2025.
The union, which represents about 300 employees, argues that the shutdown will not only jeopardize workers’ livelihoods but also disrupt the local tourism economy, impacting taxi drivers, tourism operators, and related businesses.
Rajkumar Sharma, General Secretary of the Employees Union, pointed out the poor management that has led to the current crisis but noted that the hotels are still operational. “Had the staff been better managed earlier, we wouldn’t be in this situation,” he said.
The union also raised concerns about delayed payments, including arrears and medical bills, exacerbating the financial struggles of both current and retired employees.
Ram further explained that the state government owes money to the corporation for services provided at official functions, and these payments are often delayed. He also called for the reinstatement of the grants previously provided to HPTDC, which helped manage operations.
“The lack of grants has put the corporation in financial distress,” Sharma said.
The union highlighted the critical role HPTDC plays in the state’s tourism industry, emphasizing that the corporation manages key services like Himachal Bhawan, government canteens, and guesthouses.
The union has demanded a lump sum financial aid of Rs.50 crore from the state government to stabilize the corporation’s finances and ensure the continued success of Himachal Pradesh’s tourism sector.
With the financial situation worsening and employees facing mounting hardships, the union is urging the state government to take immediate action.
Despite repeated attempts to engage with state officials, the union claims it has been unable to meet with them, as they are often unavailable.
The Employees Union of HPTDC remains firm in its demands for the government to prioritize the financial health of the corporation and safeguard the interests of its workers.
