Web-based system for hotel project approval launched

To bring in transparency in granting approvals for hotel projects and classification status to functioning hotels, the government today launched a web-based public service delivery system.
"With the help of this system, all applicants seeking hotel project approvals, hotel classification and approvals for other related services will be able to track the progress of their cases online on a real-time basis," Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi said here after launching the web-based system.
"By putting this system in place, there will be a pressure on the officers of the Ministry to deliver on time and an increased accountability on their part. Now onwards, all applications will have to be examined within 15 working days from receipt for completeness," he said.

"Thereafter, all hotel inspections will be scheduled within the next 15 working days. The recommendations of hotel and restaurants approval and classification committee will be communicated on the spot to the applicant and these recommendations will also be put on web with final decision within 10 days of the inspection," the Minister said.
"This measure will bring in more transparency, make officials more accountable in working and enable the applicants to access information and check status of their applications sitting at their own places," he said.
He further stated that in due course, the Ministry would move towards an e-regime and accept e-applications and proposals.

The hotel promoters and owners seek voluntary approval from the Ministry of Tourism for their projects and classification from one Star to Five Star Deluxe by submitting applications. These requests are processed for a final decision within 90 days from the receipt of applications.
At present, the applicants remain unaware of the status of their applications till the final decision is conveyed to them. With the new move, all information relating to such applications indicating the latest status will be put on the website of the Ministry of Tourism www.Tourism.Gov.In.
All applicants will be given a password to access the details posted on the web. The web details will indicate the date of receipt of applications, status regarding project approval, proposed date of the visit of Hotel and Restaurant Classification Committee, final recommendation of the Committee and final status of classification or approval.