New Travel Agent Bill introduces stricter punishment, ombudsman for complaints

The Haryana Government has introduced a revised version of the Haryana Registration and Regulation of Travel Agents Bill, which increases the minimum punishment for offenders from three years to seven years. It has also introduced an ombudsman to handle grievances against travel agents and refer cases to the police.

Key provisions

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Harsher punishment: Minimum jail term increased from 3 to 7 years (up to 10 years)

Higher fines: Penalty raised to ₹2-5 lakh

Ombudsman introduced: To handle complaints against travel agents

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Stricter investigations: Only officers of rank Sub-Inspector or above can probe cases

Mandatory registration: Agents must obtain a digital certificate, subject to cancellation

Crackdown on offenders: 1,500 FIRs, 1,222 arrests and ₹24.04 crore recovered since April 2023

The ombudsman, to be appointed by the state government, will provide a platform for individuals to file complaints regarding misconduct by travel agents. The revised Bill was introduced after the earlier 2024 version was withdrawn following objections from the Union Home Ministry.

Under the new Bill, investigations will be conducted by a police officer not below the rank of Sub-Inspector, with a DSP/ACP-level officer verifying the probe. This is a step up from the previous version, where an ASI could investigate. A Superintendent of Police or Deputy Commissioner of Police will serve as the Nodal Officer for all investigations in their respective jurisdictions.

Any individual seeking to work as a travel agent must obtain a registration certificate from the competent authority. The certificate can be cancelled if the agent is convicted of a criminal offence, involved in human smuggling, or found fabricating documents. The registration process will be entirely digital, managed through a centralised web portal for issuing, suspending or cancelling certificates.

The Bill significantly toughens punishments for illegal immigration and fraud. Anyone involved in human smuggling or document forgery will face a minimum seven-year imprisonment, which can extend to 10 years. Additionally, offenders will be fined between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh. The court is also authorised to order compensation for victims, with the responsibility of payment placed on the offending travel agent.

The government cited the increasing trend of Haryana’s youth falling prey to illegal immigration rackets. Recently, multiple flights from the US repatriated deported Indians, many from Haryana, Punjab and Gujarat. On February 5, 33 individuals from Haryana were among 104 Indians deported. Similar numbers were recorded on February 15 (34 individuals) and February 16 (44 individuals).

Since April 17, 2023, when IGP Ambala Range Sibash Kabiraj took charge of the SIT tackling illegal migration, authorities have registered 1,500 FIRs, arrested 1,222 agents and recovered Rs 24.04 crore from illegal operators.