Kerala Tourism Regulatory Authority draft bill gets ready

The draft of Tourism Regulatory Authority Bill, aimed to monitor and control the tourism industry in Kerala, is getting ready. The final bill will be enacted after considering the comments and suggestions of the industry experts. Tourism News Live has received a copy of the draft bill.

The Regulatory Authority will have the power to take corrective measures on its own, or as per complaints received about any irregularities in the industry. It can take any suitable action, including imposing fines on organizations running without approval from any competent authorities.

If an irregularity is found for the first time, a fine of Rs 1 lakh can be imposed. If it is repeated for a second time, the fine will be Rs 3 lakhs and if the offence is repeated, fine can go up to Rs 5 lakhs.

Attracting tourists by providing false information will be considered as an offence. If the company did not accomplish the offers as described in their package or propaganda, the company should refund the entire amount with applicable interest to the tourist. If the company refuses to pay back, the authority can take suitable corrective action.

The government can seek the opinion of the authority with regard to license or classification of new tourism companies. The authority should give a response within 30 days. The authority may ask the details of the application, if necessary. In this case the government should give reply within 10 days.

The authority can impose fines for the anomalies noticed in the tourism industry. Complaints should be finalized within 90 days. If it is prolonged, the reason for the delay should be provided. The authority will have the power to produce evidences or summon anyone, whom the authority may feel necessary for the finalization of a case.

The authority will have the power to probe any deception, trickery, alcoholism, molestation, child labour, prostitution etc. in the tourism industry.

If anyone has any objection with regard to the rulings of the Regulatory Authority, he can approach the High court within 30 days. Civil courts will not have any authority to interfere with the verdicts of the Regulatory Authority.

There will be not less than five members in the Authority, including a Chair Person. The person who is appointed as the Chair Person should have 20 years’ experience in the tourism industry. Other members should have experience for a period not less than 15 years, specifies the draft bill.