Shimla: Political tensions have intensified in Himachal Pradesh after reports surfaced about outsourcing eight major hotels of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) to private operators. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur strongly criticised the move, accusing the government of pushing a “Himachal on Sale” policy.
Thakur alleged that the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is handing over valuable state assets to private players. He claimed the decision comes after exemptions in Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act 1972 and now extends to state-owned hotels.
He said the opposition had earlier warned that profitable and well-functioning government hotels were being deliberately weakened to justify handing them over to the private sector. According to Thakur, a tourism department letter confirmed plans to outsource several hotels on an operation and maintenance basis.
The list reportedly includes Hotel Lake View in Bilaspur, Hotel Mamleshwar in Chindi, Hotel Apple Blossom in Fagu, Hotel Chanshal in Rohru, Hotel Sarvari in Kullu, Hotel Old Roscommon in Kasauli, Hotel Shivalik in Parwanoo, and Hotel Giriganga in Khadapatthar.
Thakur accused the government of leasing prime-location properties at throwaway prices to benefit selected groups. He also warned that such privatisation could harm state revenue and create uncertainty for employees working in the government-run tourism sector.
The opposition has said it will strongly oppose the move both inside and outside the Assembly, calling it an attack on the state’s resources and economic interests.
