AJKPC criticises exclusive use of Panchayat guest houses by govt officials 

• Anil Sharma proposes public use of guest houses to boost Panchayat revenue

JAMMU: All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Conference (AJKPC) Anil Sharma today questioned the restricted use of guest houses constructed under the Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayat Raj schemes across the Union Territory, alleging that these facilities are being “monopolized” by government officials and their close circles for personal use.

In a press statement issued here, Sharma after conducting a month-long tour of several tourist locations in Jammu and Kashmir revealed that guest houses—built with public funds and falling under Panchayat jurisdiction—are largely inaccessible to the common public, particularly the poor and middle class.

“These guest houses are not the private property of any official. They are collective assets of the Panchayats and must be made accessible to the general public,” Sharma asserted, adding that opening up these facilities would strengthen Panchayat revenues and promote grassroots development.

He proposed that these guest houses be officially declared Panchayat assets and made available to the general public at an affordable rate of Rs 500 per room per day. The income, he suggested, could be channelled towards routine maintenance, as well as the salaries of caretakers, gardeners, and other daily-wage support staff.

Sharma also criticized the current booking process, which he claimed is handled solely at the discretion of Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Assistant Commissioners Development (ACDs), often leading to favouritism and lack of transparency. He called for a clear and fair policy framework to govern bookings, ensuring equitable access for all citizens.

While making a fervent appeal directly to the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Sharma demanded that a comprehensive survey of all Panchayat lands and community assets should be conducted immediately. 

He also demanded for conversion of guest houses and Panchayat buildings at tourist destinations into revenue-generating facilities besides empowerment of Panchayats through financial strengthening to generate local employment opportunities.

Sharma lamented that for over 75 years, such government-built guest houses have disproportionately served a privileged few--mostly officials and their acquaintances--often at no cost. “It is high time these community assets are reclaimed for the people they were meant to serve,” he said.