The Ministry of Tourism has decided to simplify the hotel classification and re-classification procedure by not seeking the licenses and clearances which are issued by various local, state and central government authorities for operation of hotels.

These include the land utilization certificate, building completion certificate, coastal zone regulation clearance, forest and environment clearance, pollution control clearance, police clearance, fire safety clearance, airport authority clearance, health and sanitation clearance. Henceforth, while applying for classification and re-classification, the hotels would be required to submit only the current and valid trade license and bar license, if applicable, said Minister of Tourism and Culture Shripad Yesso Naik.

The Minister said the step has been taken in consonance with the Prime Minister's directive to cut the red tape. He said the decision would remove unwanted procedure and speed up the classification and re-classification process.

The Ministry feels that in case any violation of any Act, Rule, regulation or guideline issued by the local, state or central government authorities is done by any Hotel, the respective Authorities are fully competent to take action against the unit.

The classification or reclassification will remain valid only if the hotel has all licenses and clearances that are required under various Acts, rules, regulations or guidelines issued by the local, state or central government authorities for operation of the hotel, current and valid. In case any unit is found not operating as per the requirements of the Acts, Rules, Regulations or Guidelines issued by the Local, State or Central Government Authorities, its classification or reclassification would cease to be operational with immediate effect.

In order to safeguard the interest of the consumers would take an affidavit from the hotel authorities that it is operating after obtaining all necessary licenses and clearances that are required under various acts, rules, regulations and guidelines issued by the local, state or central government authorities.