BJP Slams Sukhu Government Over Proposed Private Management of Himachal Niketan

Rakesh Jamwal questions plan to place 70% of Delhi facility under private agency, flags concerns over public access and local jobs

Shimla, November 13: BJP State Chief Spokesperson and Sundernagar MLA Rakesh Jamwal has accused the Sukhu government of turning public assets over to private operators, questioning its proposal to place nearly 70 per cent of Himachal Niketan in Dwarka, New Delhi, under private management.

Citing reports on the tender, Jamwal said the 107-room facility was built to serve Himachali patients, students, government employees and other visitors—not to become a commercial venture. He questioned whether ordinary Himachalis would continue to get affordable accommodation once a private agency takes over its operations.

Targeting the government over the proposed arrangement, he cited Peterhoff, Wildflower Hall and eight HPTDC hotels as examples of public properties brought under private management. He asked why Himachal Niketan could not be operated through HPTDC, which, he said, could also generate employment for local youth.

Jamwal demanded that the government clarify how it would protect public access, keep accommodation affordable and ensure employment opportunities for Himachalis under the proposed arrangement.

He said public facilities such as Himachal Bhawan, Himachal Sadan and Himachal Niketan must serve the people of the state, not private commercial interests.

Samagra Sikhsha