Tourism scheme causing loss to exchequer: AAP

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, July 10

The local leadership of Aam Adami Party (AAP) alleged that the Punjab Bed and Breakfast scheme, under the tourism department has led to loss of revenue to the government.

With the aim of providing comfortable home stay facilities, in accordance with international standards, to give a feel of culture of Punjabi heartland to tourists, the Punjab Heritage Tourism Promotion Board (PHTPB) had launched a scheme to promote high-end “Bed and Breakfast” accommodation in 2013.

Suresh Sharma, district president, AAP said the house owners got authorisations for three years by paying Rs 5,000. There are 40 houses in the city, which are authorised for the home stay.

“Some of the owners have been operating their houses as the guest house without getting the change of land use certificate. They are running it as commercial venture,” said Sharma.

AAP leader alleged that officials of the Tourism Board ignore the rule and regulations while authorising the house for home stay.

“The district administration and police do not have any record about the guests and tourists, who stayed in these homes during in the past five years. The anti-social elements can misuse the facility,” added Sharma. AAP activists demanded investigation in this regard.