HPTDC Employees Demand Removal of Chairman R S Bali After High Court Orders Hotel Closures

The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) workers union has called for the removal of RS Bali, the corporation's chairman. This demand comes after the high court ordered several loss-making HPTDC hotels to close. The union urged Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to intervene in the situation.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had directed that HPTDC properties be closed by November 25 due to low occupancy rates. However, the court allowed nine out of eighteen hotels to continue operations until March 2025. The Karamchari Sangh welcomed this decision but expressed concerns about a possible plan to hand over these hotels to private entities.

Union's Concerns and Future Plans

Union president Hukum Ram stated that only occupancy data was presented in court. He noted that other income sources like destination weddings, parties, and industry events were not considered. Ram mentioned plans to appeal the decision and provide comprehensive financial details to the court.

The workers union also requested an extension for the remaining nine hotels and sought a grant of Rs 50 crore to support tourism and the corporation. They believe this financial aid is crucial for sustaining operations and boosting tourism in the region.

Court's Decision on Hotel Operations

On Friday, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel allowed nine properties to remain operational until March 31, 2025. This decision came after a single-judge bench reviewed an application from HPTDC seeking a recall or modification of an earlier order dated November 19. The court emphasized that it was not altering its previous directive entirely.

The application filed by HPTDC highlighted their efforts to maximize property utilization. The corporation is taking significant steps to ensure that its assets are used effectively, aiming for better financial outcomes.

The union's appeal and the court's partial allowance reflect ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by HPTDC. The situation underscores the need for strategic planning and support to enhance tourism in Himachal Pradesh while ensuring sustainable operations for its hospitality sector.