HC allows 200 guides to work on temporary licenses

New Delhi, Mar 15 (UNI) The Delhi High Court has permitted recently about 200 guides of the Agra Tourist Guide Welfare Association to work on temporary licences till their results are declared.

The guides had duly appeared for 'Tourist Guide Training Examination' on August 26, 2007. However, the results were withheld on account of certain interim orders passed by the Rajasthan High Court.

The court allowed the guides to function on temporary licences till the finalisation of their results.

Giving relief to the guides who play an important part in the tourism industry, the Delhi HC said not only the interests of the guides were deprived of but interests and rights of millions of tourists, both national and international, were adversely impacted as they were deprived of knowledgeable and experienced guides.

The court directed the regional department of tourism to issue temporary licences within four weeks after proper verification and it should remain valid till their results were declared.

Anjana Gosain, counsel for the guides, argued that the public interest was being seriously impaired as the knowledgeable guides were not available at national monuments.

She said the guides were at the verge of starvation as they were unable to provide their services.

The contention is that the guides were working for a long period even prior to 2005 but now they were abided by the court which laid down certain norms for them. Since the results have not been declared, their livelihood is being effected as they cannot work till the licences are issued.

The High Court had passed this order on March 4.

UNI SNG SW BD1950