The state government has decided to hand over the operation and maintenance of 14 hospitality units to private operators. The move comes amid growing concerns over the Corporation’s inability to meet its financial obligations, particularly towards its retired employees. The petition, which is listed before the single bench of Justice Sandeep Sharma tomorrow, reportedly seeks redressal for delayed or unpaid retirement dues and exposes the deteriorating fiscal health of HPTDC.

This decision by the government is being seen as a pre-emptive measure ahead of the court proceedings, as it attempts to ease the burden on HPTDC by outsourcing operations of selected hotels and tourism units. These units will now be run and maintained by private entities, although ownership will remain with the state.

The hotels are:
1. Hotel Hill Top, Swarghat
2. Hotel Lakeview, Bilaspur
3. Hotel Bhagal, Darlaghat
4. Wayside Amenity, Bhararighat
5. Hotel Mamleshwar, Chindi
6. Hotel Apple Blossom, Fagu
7. Hotel Shiwalik, Parwanoo
8. Hotel Giriganga, Kharapathar
9. Hotel Chanshal, Rohru
10. Tourist Inn, Rajgarh
11. Hotel Sarvari, Kullu
12. Hotel Old Roscommon, Kasauli
13. Kashmir House, Dharamshala
14. Hotel Uhl, Jogindernagar

It is worthwhile to recall that earlier, the High Court had taken cognizance of a similar petition and directed the government to consider leasing out several HPTDC units to ensure timely disbursal of dues to employees and pensioners. The court, in its previous observations, had expressed displeasure over the mismanagement of resources and failure of the Corporation to sustain its workforce financially.

High court had also sought a detailed affidavit of Government defaulters and private parties who didn’t not paid their dues after booking State hostilities unit. Chief secretary’s Holi party at HHH is one of the event where payment was not allegedly made by the parties.

HPTDC 14 loss making hotels to be privatized

The Board of Directors’ decision, which came late Monday evening, is expected to be mentioned during Tuesday’s hearing as a step towards restructuring and stabilizing the corporation’s finances. However, employee unions and former staffers have raised concerns over the gradual privatization of HPTDC and the lack of transparency in the handover process.

As the High Court prepares to hear the matter, the latest decision is likely to be scrutinized for both its legal standing and practical implications. The outcome of the hearing may set a precedent for future restructuring of state-run undertakings facing financial distress.