No uniform price at Sabarimala hotels

Kochi: Deviating from the usual practice, the Pathanamthitta district administration has refused to issue an order for uniform pricing of hotel foods during the upcoming Sabarimala season and wanted the state government to take steps to prevent exploitation of lakhs of pilgrims.

"The decision is with regard to permanent hotels in the district while we'll control food pricing of temporary ones functioning in Sannidhanam and other nearby areas. We don't want to issue an order just for the sake of it as the hotel owners approach the High Court and get a stay every year. In effect, they charge the rates decided by them. Hence, I've written a letter requesting for a decision at the state level," said district collector S. Harikishore.

However, the administration would form a special squad which would conduct raids at regular intervals on these hotels to ensure the quality of food. The hotel owners argue that they should be allowed to decide on the price based on the quality of food, infrastructure facilities and other factors.

The practice so far every pilgrim season has been that the district administration would decide on the rates at which food materials should be sold in Sannidhanam, Pampa and other areas. For instance, the approved price of tea at Sannihdanam last year was Rs 9 while it was Rs 8 at Pampa and Pathanamthitta town.

"There are also a series of initiatives planned to prevent adulterated food items and excessive pricing. For this, a meet will be convened at the collectorate on Thursday and actions decided," said C. P. Gopakumar, Superintendent, general section and charge officer, Sabarimala.