THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the government yet to classify and grade hotels and restaurants as per the provisions of the proposed Hotel Price Control Bill, eateries across the state are charging rates at will in many places.
The difference in rates of food items in hotels and restaurants falling in the same category is also glaring in many districts.
The government’s move to bring in a regulatory authority at the district level for price control has met with stiff opposition from Hotel and Restaurant Associations.
“Increase in food prices is mainly due to the increase in price index. When the price of one commodity decreases, the price of another increases and hence hotels are forced to increase the price. Prior to implementing the grading system, the government should first help in improving the infrastructure. The water supplied by the corporation has to be filtered before use. There are other facilities that the government can improve,” said association vice president Mr Jose.
The association alleged that the government move would only destroy the hotel industry. Mr. Vijayakumar, District Secretary of the Hotels and Restaurants Association, added that the common grading system could result in increase in food prices in several eateries.
Meanwhile, Nidish, a student, said “The hike has hit the common man particularly students and daily wage workers.” Most people are banking on canteens attached to government offices, for meals at reasonable rates. “Here we get quality food at affordable rates,” said Anand, a regular at Cantonment station canteen here.
