KATHMANDU: A committee formed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has submitted its report on Monday.
The Ministry, as per the directives of Tourism Minister Prem Bahadur Ale, had formed a five-member committee under the coordination of Treasurer of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) to carry out investigation regarding Nepal-India Friendship Pashupati Dharmashala.
Although Minister Ale is the Chairperson of the Trust, Coordinator Subedi submitted committee’s report to Ministry Secretary Maheshwor Neupane after Minister Ale tested positive for coronavirus.
The report recommended to cancel 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 determined 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.
PADT 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 in an arbitrary manner from pilgrims and religious tourists.
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