The Himachal Pradesh government tabled a bill on Wednesday seeking to amend the 2002 Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development and Registration Act. The amendments aim to increase penalties for violations of the homestay act and remove imprisonment provisions. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who holds the home and finance portfolios, introduced the bill, stressing the need to more effectively regulate tourism operators and individuals in the tourism sector.
The changes address developments in homestays since the original act, including growth in the number and scope of homestay units. The proliferation of such units has posed oversight and registration challenges. The bill suggests updates to sections of the current law, including replacing “time share units” with “home stays” in clause one. Other proposed amendments relate to sections 3, 25, 46, 48, 49, 51, 59 and 64.
The amended act would also regulate ropeways, convention centers and wellness centers. Tourism units operating under state and central schemes must register within 30 days of the amendments taking effect. The bill increases penalties, introducing a Rs 1 lakh lump sum fine and Rs 10,000 maximum fine for violations under sections 46 and 48. Hospitality units would also face steeper fines of Rs 10,000, up from three months imprisonment and a Rs 5,000 fine, for wilfully obstructing officers. Additionally, registration renewal becomes mandatory every two years upon paying a renewal fee.
