Hand over operation of unutilised GMVN guest houses to local unemployed, says minister

Tuesday, 24 January 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN

The Culture and Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj has expressed dissatisfaction at delay in payment to artists and cultural troupes by the Culture department. The minister has directed the culture secretary to ensure swift clearing of the bills. The minister along with secretary HC Semwal conducted a surprise inspection of the Culture directorate and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) headquarters on Monday morning. Directing officials to clear the pending bills, he warned that any type of negligence in the works will not be tolerated.

Reaching the directorate, Maharaj questioned the delay in payment to artists and cultural troupes. He ordered the secretary to ensure immediate payment while also directing him to address the shortage of employees in the department. It should be mentioned here that the bills of the cultural artists have not been cleared since April 2022.

 The minister then went to the GMVN HQ and directed the general manager Vipra Trivedi to ensure clearing of all pending bills. He also directed the GM to ensure the DPC of the corporation’s employees soon. The issue of about Rs 43 crore payable as gratuity and arrears to employees should also be resolved soon, he said. He said that the operation of GMVN guest houses which are not being utilised should be handed over to the local unemployed youth.