In a major step to boost tourism and improve the financial strength of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC), Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali has announced a strategic partnership with the Himachal Pradesh Civil Supplies Corporation.
New Plan to Make Purchases Easier
Speaking to the media in Shimla, Bali shared that HPTDC has signed a new agreement.
Now, all essential purchases like toiletries and kitchen items will be made through the Civil Supplies Corporation.
“This step will make purchasing simple and cut costs,” Bali said.
Moreover, he stressed that smart buying would save a lot of money each year.
Strong Financial Growth in Two Years
Bali also highlighted major achievements during his tenure.
Over the past two and a half years, HPTDC paid ₹41 crore towards salaries, pensions, and gratuities.
Earlier, the previous government paid only ₹26 crore in five years.
Despite facing natural disasters and damaged infrastructure, turnover rose sharply.
When Bali took office, turnover stood at ₹78 crore.
Now, it has crossed ₹109 crore, showing strong progress.
“We have worked hard to achieve this, even though the corporation was in poor shape earlier,” Bali added.
Big Plans for the Future
Bali aims to push HPTDC’s turnover between ₹300 crore and ₹500 crore.
However, he said that urgent hotel renovations are needed to meet this goal.
HPTDC now manages salaries independently without help from the government.
Therefore, Bali sees the new deal with the Civil Supplies Corporation as a major win.
Key Features of the New Agreement
Under the new plan:
- Annual purchases of ₹20–25 crore will go through the Civil Supplies Corporation.
- A single-window system will handle all buying.
- Payments will clear within one and a half months.
- Bulk buying will save crores of rupees yearly.
“We will check the financial benefits within four months,” Bali promised.
To ensure quality, a Vice President will manage all purchase activities.
Also, a time-bound supply system will keep things running smoothly.
New Initiatives Coming Soon
Bali hinted that new initiatives for improving services will be announced shortly.
He proudly shared that hotel occupancy has increased by 15% this year.
HPTDC has also requested ₹300 crore from the Chief Minister for major hotel upgrades.
Moreover, a convention centre and better facilities are being planned to attract more tourists.
Response to Pahalgam Attack
When asked about the terror attack in Pahalgam, Bali offered his deep condolences.
He said such events are national tragedies, not business matters.
“We stand united with our nation and the Government of India,” he said firmly.
A Bright Vision for Himachal’s Tourism
In closing, Bali reaffirmed the state’s commitment to making Himachal better.
He invited tourists to experience “Clean Himachal, Green Himachal, Better Himachal.”
