Pashupati Dharmashala Issue: Probe committee recommends cancelation of agreement with Batas Group
KATHMANDU, Jan 18: A committee formed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation submitted its report on Monday.
The ministry, as per the directives of Tourism Minister Prem Bahadur Ale, formed a five-member committee under the coordination of the treasurer of the Pashupati Area Development Trust to carry out an investigation regarding Nepal-India Friendship Pashupati Dharmashala.
Although Minister Ale is the Chairperson of the Trust, Coordinator Subedi submitted the committee's report to Ministry Secretary Maheshwar Neupane after Minister Ale tested positive for coronavirus.
The report recommended canceling the agreement of Nepal-India Friendship Pashupati Dharmashala as the activities were found carried out against the agreement.
Subedi said, "Many weaknesses and mistakes were found regarding the issue of Dharmashala. The committee concluded that the activities were carried out on the basis of a setting. So it should be canceled."
Jewelry shops and vehicle showrooms have been kept at the Dharmashala and rents are being collected in an arbitrary manner, reads the report.
The Trust had given the Dharmashala on lease to Ananda Pvt Ltd (BATAS Group). The BATAS Group is accused of operating Dharmashala as a hotel and taking charge as an arbitrary manner from pilgrims and religious tourists.
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