Face action for cheating tourists, 28 dealers booked in J

Srinagar, Mar 9 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir tourist Enforcement Wing (TEW) has warned traders and others, connected with the tourism industry, directly or indirectly, not to indulge in cheating guests.

We have decided to take stern action against those traders who are found to have cheated guests, an official spokesman said.

He said during a surprise inspection of showrooms of handicrafts department at Katra, base camp of Mata Vaishnodevi shrine, by a team of inspectors from the department, several handicraft dealers were found without registration.

He said under Tourist Trade Act every trader has to register its shop or showroom before starting normal business.

The spokesman said as many as 28 defaulters were booked and a fine of Rs 19000 recovered from them on spot.

He said we expect a bumper tourist season this summer, therefore, the TEW has warned traders who allegedly cheat guests.

The warning has been issued in view of the last year's experience when 432 erring tourist traders were fined for cheating tourists.

He said TEW has asked all the tourist traders to carry out their business only from the premises and showrooms for which registration has been issued under Jammu and Kashmir Registration of Tourist Trade Act 1978/82.

The Act has made possession of certificate of registration mandatory for all tourist traders.

The traders have been asked to maintain proper record of their business and display price labels on the merchandise.

The traders have been also informed not to hawk at Airport, near Tourist Reception Centre, Bus Stand, National Highway or any other notified area.

Any trader found indulging in flouting the rules will warrant prosecution under law of the land.

He said the Wing has booked 432 erring tourist traders during 2007 and recovered a fine of Rs 80,900.

About Rs 1.80 lakh has been recovered from defaulting traders and reimbursed to the complainants.

UNI BAS PJ KP1348