Employees of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) staged a protest at Dharamsala on Wednesday against the state government's decision to hand over several corporation hotels to private operators on an Operation and Management (O&M) basis. The protest was organised by the Tourism Corporation Employees' Federation under the banner of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).
Protest Details and Allegations
Employees from different parts of the state gathered at Dharamsala and marched from Hotel Kunal to the HPTDC headquarters at Kashmir House. After the rally, they submitted a memorandum to the state government through HPTDC Managing Director Rajeev Kumar.
Federation president Hukam Ram alleged that the government was planning to hand over eight operational and revenue-generating HPTDC hotels to private entities. He accused the government of bypassing established procedures, stating that the decision was reportedly being taken without obtaining approval from the corporation's Board of Directors. "Such actions are against the interests of both the corporation and employees," he said.
Financial Concerns and Employee Hardships
Hukam Ram claimed that deliberate attempts were being made to portray HPTDC as a loss-making organisation. He alleged that online bookings at corporation hotels were frequently suspended, preventing tourists from making reservations and resulting in financial losses. The federation demanded a special grant of Rs 50 crore from the state government to strengthen the corporation. Employees stated they had contributed significantly to revenue generation, helping the corporation earn nearly Rs 45 crore despite financial constraints.
Employees also expressed concern over reports that key HPTDC properties in Kullu, Manali, Rohru, Rampur, Bilaspur, Kasauli and Chindi could either be shut down for renovation or handed over to private management under the O&M model. The federation alleged delays in payment of salaries and other financial benefits, with many pensioners facing financial hardships due to delayed settlements.
Role During Pandemic and Warning of Intensified Agitation
Recalling the role of HPTDC employees during the Covid pandemic, Hukam Ram said the workforce continued to provide services under challenging conditions. Several HPTDC properties were used as quarantine facilities, and many employees contracted the virus while performing their duties. The federation urged the government to withdraw the proposal and hold discussions with employees' representatives. It warned that the agitation would be intensified across the state if the decision to hand over HPTDC hotels to private operators was not revoked.
