Shimla: Once the pride of Himachal Pradesh’s tourism industry, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) is now facing a financial freefall with losses soaring to a staggering Rs 37 crore.
While HPTDC holds enviable real estate in prime locations across the state, it still struggles to turn a profit, drawing the scrutiny of the High Court and prompting tough questions about its management.
In an attempt to chart a recovery plan, the government of Himachal Pradesh has established yet another committee on 16th October, 2024, appointing retired IAS officer Tarun Shridhar as the Chairman and Dr. Rajiv Kumar, IAS, Managing Director of HPTDC, as the committee's Secretary.
The mission? Seek innovative ideas from the public and stakeholders on improving HPTDC's financial and operational practices.
The public is encouraged to submit suggestions by email at
However, seasoned professionals and observers are skeptical.
The nagging question remains: will another bureaucratic committee bring about the transformational change HPTDC desperately needs?
For decades, the Corporation has been headed by bureaucrats, with little to no involvement from tourism professionals or media experts who possess an intimate understanding of Himachal's tourism dynamics.
“If HPTDC’s prime properties aren’t enough to make it profitable, perhaps it’s time to rethink the leadership model itself,” suggests one tourism insider.
“Why not bring in media persons who’ve covered and explored tourism from adventure sports to ecotourims in Himachal from the ground up?
They know the pulse of the people and the potential tourist markets and what tourists want”
In a small silver lining for HPTDC’s employees, the dearness allowance has been increased from 34% to 38%, to be paid along with October’s salary.
But with losses mounting and public confidence dwindling, the Corporation’s challenges demand more than incremental changes—it’s time for bold, grassroots-driven action.
The million-dollar question is, will the Corporation finally listen to its critics and embrace a new approach, or will history keep repeating itself?
COMMENTS:
It seems to be a move at privatising prime properties of hptdc. Otherwise two very simple steps can reverse the situation:
1. Induction of domain experts from top to bottom with operational freedom.
2. Stop the practice of having political nominees in Board of Directors and keeping the size of BoD at bare minimum- Manoj Kumar (Hydro Power Expert).
In addition HPTDC should stop freebeebs to Political persons and Govt officials. Free stays and foods etc: ATUL HANDA(Technocrat and MotorSports Expert).
