Himachal Pradesh, February 18:
The state government has made significant amendments to the Home Stay Rules 2025. Home stay operators are now required to obtain a GST number and file GST returns. Additionally, the registration fee has been raised from ₹100 to ₹3000, an increase of 300 times. The government aims to enhance its revenue through the Home Stay scheme, which was initially introduced to provide employment opportunities for the unemployed.
Under the new rules, home stay operators must provide their GST number while filling out the registration form. They will now need to incur costs for obtaining the GST number and file returns every month, regardless of whether they earn from the home stay or not. Operators will need to consult chartered accountants to file their GST returns.
The new regulations also require compliance with municipal laws for waste disposal, installation of fire safety equipment, and maintaining a detailed register and computer records for all guests. Details of foreign guests’ passports must also be recorded, and CCTV cameras are now mandatory in common areas of home stays.
The Himachal Pradesh government notified the Home Stay Rules 2025 on February 14. Stakeholders can submit objections and suggestions regarding the new rules via email at tourism@hp.gov.in or through post until February 28.
Government to Consider Objections: Devesh Kumar
The Home Stay Rules 2025 have been published in the official gazette. The government will consider any objections and suggestions received before finalizing the regulations, as stated by Devesh Kumar, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation.
Additional Facilities:
The new rules include provisions for parking, water closet toilets with toilet paper, cold and hot water facilities, separate dining areas, work tables in rooms, washing machines, dry cleaning services, refrigerators, seating arrangements in the lobby, and security guards as desirable features. The promotion of Himachali handicrafts and architecture, along with encouragement of rainwater harvesting systems, will also be included.
Registration Fees in Municipal Areas:
For home stays with 4 to 6 rooms in municipal areas, the annual registration fee has been set at ₹12,000. Additionally, in areas under TCP, SADA, and municipal councils, the fee is ₹8,000, while in panchayat areas, it is ₹6,000. For home stays with 1 to 3 rooms, the fee is ₹8,000 in municipal areas, ₹5,000 in TCP, SADA, and municipal council areas, and ₹3,000 in panchayat areas.
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