SRINAGAR JANUARY 01: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Association (JKHARA), led by its President Babar Chowdhary, held a pivotal meeting with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar. The discussion centered on urgent issues and reforms needed to rejuvenate the hotel and restaurant industry in Jammu and Kashmir.
The delegation, comprising Senior Vice President Dr. Lateef Ahmad Lone, Junior Vice President Sheikh Imran, Secretary General Ayesha Saleem and Joint Secretary Mohammad Shafi Beigh, presented a comprehensive agenda for the tourism sector’s revival.
President Babar Chowdhary stressed the importance of reinstating the industrial status for the tourism sector to allow hotels and restaurants to benefit from subsidized power tariffs. He also advocated for the revival of financial benefits under the 2018-19 scheme, which would strengthen the sector and drive its growth.
Chowdhary called for streamlined procedures to ease operations for existing businesses, attract new investments, and create employment opportunities for J&K’s youth. A proposal to extend leases for hotels, restaurants, and guest houses was also made, along with a suggestion to set up modern tent accommodations to cater to the anticipated growth in tourism due to new train services. Babar Chowdhary urged the J&K government to construct additional public washrooms at tourist destination sites.
Senior Vice President Dr. Lateef Ahmad Lone highlighted challenges faced by older hotels, restaurants and guest house establishments, urging easier registration renewals based on previous rules. He also emphasized the need for clarity in obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from departments like LCMA and Tourism department. Dr. Lone stressed the importance of streamlining these processes to promote hassle-free operations and support the hospitality sector’s growth. He called for a collaborative approach between stakeholders and authorities to address these long-standing issues effectively.
Junior Vice President Sheikh Imran has called for significant reforms in the registration and renewal processes for the J&K tourism industry, highlighting the pressing challenges faced by hoteliers and restaurant owners. He proposed extending the validity of registration certificates to a minimum of 10 years, similar like to passports and driving licenses.. This will reduce the burden and ensure a more efficient operational environment for the hospitality sector.
Imran further emphasized the need to streamline the renewal process by eliminating redundant requirements, such as obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and undertaking affidavits from judicial magistrates annually. These repetitive and often cumbersome procedures, he noted, add unnecessary delays and financial strain on hotel and restaurant owners, many of whom are already grappling with the economic impact and natural calamities in the region.
Secretary General Ayesha Saleem advocated for renovating old budget hotels and guest houses in Srinagar’s Civil Lines and Downtown areas. She emphasized the need to permit tent facilities at tourist spots to cater to budget travelers in the region. Joint Secretary Mohammad Shafi Beigh raised concerns about the steep hike in sanitation fees imposed by the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC). He called for a rationalized and affordable fee structure.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo assured the delegation that their concerns and suggestions would be addressed. He expressed his commitment to resolving grievances and promised to evaluate the proposed reforms for the tourism and hospitality sector.
Bas Phool apas mein dena ise baat ke toh salery milte hai
Yeh chal raha hai kashmir mein gareeb pis raha hai
Inki tankah dene mein agar yehi chalta raha toh aam aadmi ko gunda baney mein time nahi lagta hai