J&K Govt greenlights: Centaur Hotel outsourcing, integrates employees into corporations

SRINAGAR, JAN 23: In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir government has given its nod for the outsourcing of the iconic Centaur Hotel by inviting international bids. Simultaneously, the government is taking steps to absorb the hotel’s employees into government-run corporations
The decision marks a strategic effort by the government to revitalize and optimize the functioning of the Centaur Hotel while ensuring the welfare of its workforce.

Centaur Hotel, situated in the picturesque region, has long been a symbol of hospitality and tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. By opening the doors to international bids, the government aims to bring in expertise and investment that will contribute to the enhancement of the hotel’s facilities and services.
the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council, led by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, has given its approval for the absorption of 145 permanent employees from the Centaur Lake View Hotel, Srinagar, into various organizations. An official statement released on Sunday outlined the details of this decision.
The approved absorption will see these employees integrated into three key entities, namely the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), the Jammu and Kashmir Cable Car Corporation Ltd (JKCCC), and the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, Srinagar (JKTDC). The effective date for this transition has been advanced to March 1, 2023, from the initially scheduled date of May 22, 2023, as per the official statement.
“This is in pursuance to the process of outsourcing of the assets of the Tourism Department. Administrative Council in its decision dated May 22, 2023, had approved the absorption of these employees with effect from May 22, 2023 and Government Order No. 86-JK(TSM) of 2023, dated July 12, 2023, was issued in this behalf,” the statement said.
“The matter was examined by a high powered committee constituted under the administrative mechanism for resolution of disputes by Department of Legal Affairs, Govt of India and recommended by the Committee constituted by the GAD, vide Government Order No. 536-JK(GAD) of 2023 dated May 2, 2023 and also as per the concurrence of the Finance.
The Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation (JKTDC) has embarked on the path of revitalizing the iconic Centaur Lakeview Hotel, nestled along the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar, through an outsourcing initiative. In a bid to attract national and international expertise, the corporation has issued requests for proposals, inviting entities to participate in the comprehensive development, finance, operation, and maintenance, along with the transfer of Centaur Lakeview Hotel. This outsourcing arrangement is envisioned as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) on a DBFOT (Design, Built, Finance, Operate & Transfer) basis.
The notification released by JKTDC outlines the scope of the project, encompassing the design, refurbishment, and upgradation of Centaur Lakeview Hotel. The selected entity will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the hotel, including its construction period, for a concession period extending to 60 years. This forward-looking approach aims to infuse new life into the iconic property and elevate its standing as a premier hospitality destination.
With an estimated project cost set at 212.50 crore Indian Rupees, the initiative signals a commitment to injecting fresh energy into the region’s tourism sector.