When a national disaste knocks the door, no citizen or enterprise can alienate itself from strengthening the nation’s hand. It will be wise only when every living and non-living entity come forward to guard its borders and citizen’s life. At this hour of darkness some come forward even before the help being sought while others make excuses for their inability to help.
In the hospitality industry, Taj hotels in Mumbai has volunteer to give rooms to state government as per their requirement but there are few hotels who refused to provide rooms to state administration. These hotels may come in line of fire and likely to lose their license, if they don’t obey the orders.
At the beginning of pre-locked down period, state government official approached various hotels. The state administration was looking for around 1000 to 1500 rooms near airport. Many hotels happily agreed to provide rooms but some of the hotels refused to do so by giving lame excuses. Few leading hotels in western suburb snubbed the request of State administration. They said that their hotel rooms were occupied or were under maintenance.
The state administration took punitive action by taking hotel staff to police station. After seeing this, senior management came for their rescue and apologized. They decided to help administration for their room requirement and allotted rooms.
R. Rokade, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Mumbai said “At the time of Covid19 Pandemic, many hotels have agreed to provide rooms happily, on their own for national disaster. But there are few hotels who were reluctant to do so. As per law, whenever there is any emergencies or natural disaster, the District Collector has Executive Power to take control of any establishment for the need of public. These include recreational clubs, lodges, hotel rooms, school, colleges, entertainment places, stadium, exhibition centers or any establishment which can be used for disaster management. If someone tries to disobey government orders, they are liable to face legal action that includes suspension of license or recognition”.
Rokade further added “We are happy that many hotels have helped in natural calamities and supporting state government. There are certain hotel who cited that their hotel is under maintenance, we are sending our technical team to find out reality. If we come to know that they are misleading us and avoiding their social responsibility, we will take appropriate action as per law”.
It maybe noted that Collector of Mumbai suspended license of Eros cinema at Churchgate for not adhering to government orders.
Kamlesh Barot Past President FHRAI & HRAWI
Kamlesh Barot, Past President FHRAI & HRAWI and Creator of Rajdhani and Revival brand said “The hoteliers are willing to give rooms to the government during this natural calamity, but they have certain genuine apprehensions that needs to be addressed to.
A General Manager of the leading five-star hotel on the condition of anonymity said “The Taj Hotel’s has set a classic example by coming forward. At the time of national disaster, it is a duty of every hotelier to come forward in positive way to support administration rather than becoming negative. As hotelier, we should take a slew of initiatives to serve healthcare providers and community at large in times of the coronavirus outbreak in the country”
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
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