Times of India: Vadodara:
Saturday, April 20, 2013.
It is a
property that can probably generate revenue for the civic body, but the Pravasi
Gruh guest house of Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) is actually making
losses to the tune of around Rs 25 lakh every year. An activist in the city has
brought this to light by obtaining details under the RTI Act.
The lodging
facility located in the busy station area has 32 rooms, including seven double
rooms, 24 single rooms and one common hall. The VMC also gives linen in the
single and double rooms at the facility. A tourist help desk is also provided
at the location.
Details
procured by an activist, Atul Gamechi, under the RTI Act reveal that between
January 1, 2012, and February 5, 2013, the civic body had spent Rs 37.75 lakh
towards salary and Rs 4.63 lakh towards other expenses at the facility. Against
this, it made an income of merely Rs 13.46 lakh during the same period.
Similarly,
Gamechi pointed out that during the period from January 1, 2010, to February 5,
2013, the Pravasi Gruh made losses to the tune of around Rs 74.95 lakh. This
would amount to losses of around Rs 25 lakh every year during the last five
years. The response also reveals that between January 1, 2012, and February 5,
2013, no new linen or upholstery was purchased at Pravasi Gruh. This reflects
on the state of affairs at the facility.
The RTI reply
also reveals that for the benefit of those visiting Pravasi Gruh, a tourist
receptionist had been appointed. The officials provided information orally or
as per the requirement of the tourists. Gamechi said that a high salary of Rs
45,557 was being paid to this official for the job.
Gamechi also
pointed out that a bus used to operate from the spot earlier for tourists, who
wanted to take a tour of the city. This bus has been taken off since the last
eight years and no alternative arrangements have been made.
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