Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 8: President Jammu Hotel Association in a letter to Lieutenant Governor, G C Murmu has suggested a five-point revival plan for the industry, devastated by COVID-19.
In his letter president of the Association, Raju Chowdhary said with no air or road traffic, empty hotels and all restaurants, banquets and recreational facilities shut, “the likelihood of the revival in the short term is uncertain,” .
The letter States that they (all hoteliers and lodge owners) are standing united in their fight against COVID-19 “and has deep appreciation and support for all the initiatives taken by the Government”.
“The hotel industry is a key pillar of both domestic and international tourism. Globally, it is considered as a major contributor to GDP, foreign exchange earnings, creation of jobs as well as the biggest multiplicator of jobs,. In Jammu especially, the hotel industry is a key driver of jobs. In the current scenario, almost 70% of the jobs are in danger directly within the hotel sector and several in other hotel related support sectors, the letter said.”
Chowdhary requested for help and a revival package can be viewed in the light of the present situation, given the number of people it employs and the impact any job loss would cause on India’s unemployment figures. In the letter JHRBA requests for 5-point relief measures, which “are practical and if implemented could help the industry to both survive and revive”.
He suggested deferment of all statutory liabilities, including EMIs, to a minimum of 12 months and waiver of interest for the same period, subsidize employment for six months by the Government, contributing 50% of the salary per employee, excise fees, property taxes as well as municipal taxes be suspended from 15th March, till the end of COVID-19 period, enabling GST collected to be used as working capital for six months and utility costs such as electricity to be charged on actual versus the load.
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