Tweak in homestay policy triggers chaos
The tweak in the policy has now caused chaos in the homestay sector, which is the lifeline of Malnad tourism.
Previously, a no-objection certificate from the police and the gram panchayat were sufficient for homestay business. However, the tourism commissioner now has issued a new circular requiring no-objection certificates from the police, forest department, fire department, zilla panchayat, taluk panchayat, town panchayat and municipality, food department, and health department, CRZ and power supply companies for the same.
As per the circular, under the new system, the homestays will be extended various concessions and supports under the state tourism policy 2024.
The new circular sent shock waves across the sector as homestay owners feared that getting NoCs from so many departments will result in red tapism, and rampant corruption.
90 applications yet to be processed
With state govt proposing an online permission system, the district administrations followed delay tactics to renew the licences of the existing homestays.
by Taboola
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For example, in Chikkamagaluru district renewal applications of 90 homestays are yet to be processed.
NR Tejasvi, president of the Homestay Association, Chikkamagaluru said for the past two decades, we have been engaged in the homestay business in rural areas. However, since last year, despite submitting the necessary documents for homestay licences, the district administration has been delaying the renewal process.
If any incidents occur at the homestays, the owners are held directly responsible, and their licences are cancelled, he said.
Despite submitting several requests to the district administration regarding homestay renewals, the officials claim that due to new guidelines, it cannot be done immediately causing distress to homestay owners, he said.
Homestay Association Kodagu district president Monti Ganesh said the state govt assured bringing homestay NoCs under the ambit of Sakala services.
"So, the website is being updated. Homestay owners should not get worried," she said.
Meanwhile, tourism minister HK Patil justified the decision to further tighten the mandatory requirements for the homestays. "To streamline, and ensure safety of the tourists who visit homestays, we took this decision," he said, adding we did it to streamline the industry. The minister also made it clear that the state govt is ready to help the homestays if they really face any issues to run business.
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