Chandigarh associations oppose home stay scheme
The Federation of Sector Welfare Associations, Chandigarh (FOSWAC), has opposed the “Bed & Breakfast” scheme or similar commercial activities in residential premises in the city.
The UT Administration had recently issued a draft to re-launch this home stay scheme, which was scrapped in 2009-2010. On implementation, the owners will be able to offer “home stay” facilities within their residences. Following various irregularities and complaints, the administration had scrapped the scheme.
At a meeting with the Director, Tourism, FOSWAC chairman Baljinder Singh stated that the scheme would lead to misuse of residential properties for commercial purposes, which was against the spirit of Chandigarh’s planned urban structure. The continuous movement of guests would pose serious safety concerns, particularly for families, women and senior citizens, he claimed. The scheme would aggravate the existing parking problem in residential areas.
During the meeting, Chandigarh Resident Associations Welfare Federation (CRAWFED) chairman Hitesh Puri also urged the administration not to allow any commercial/tourist activity in residential premises.
