Taking a positive view on the appeal of tourism organizations and businessmen of North Bengal, Bhutan has banned the Baggage Allowance ie ‘Luggage Allowance’ for Indians for the time being. However, for the overnight stay of Indians in Bhutan, the Sustainable Development Fee will be applicable.
The Government of Bhutan has informed Jaigaon Merchant Association and Jaigaon Development Authority through a circular. Significantly, a large quantity of dolomite, cement, vegetables and potatoes are imported from Bhutan to India. Not only Jaigaon but many businessmen of Siliguri are associated with business relations with Bhutan.
In such a situation, an additional ‘baggage allowance’ was announced by the Bhutanese administration on purchases of more than three thousand rupees. As soon as the notification of the Bhutan government regarding the baggage allowance came out, there was a stir in the tourism organizations and business circles. After that, the administrative officers of both countries held a meeting among themselves.
The organization’s president Gangaprasad Sharma had demanded the withdrawal of the additional tax on behalf of the Jaigaon Development Authority. The Bhutan administration, in response to that application, decided to suspend the ‘baggage allowance’ for the time being. However, if Indians stay overnight in Bhutan, they will have to pay an additional ‘Sustainable Development Fee’ of Rs 1,200 per person per night. Despite several appeals from Indian tourism businessmen, additional neighboring countries are not backing down from their decision. There is a lot of objection among tourism organizations about this.
Samrat Sanyal, general secretary of the Himalayan Hospitality Development and Tourism Network, one of North Bengal’s most important tourism organizations, said, “The suspension of baggage allowance is welcome, but if the ‘Sustainable Development Fee’ is not waived, it will affect the relationship between India-Bhutan.”
On the other hand, Gangaprasad Sharma said, “There is a lot of relief as baggage allowance has been suspended. However, the struggle for a Sustainable Development Fee waiver will continue after Bhutan Gate opens. We are trying to give our best.”
Ramashankar Gupta, general secretary of Jaigaon Merchants’ Association, said, “The suspension of baggage allowance in Bhutan has benefited traders a lot. But we are not shying away from our demand for a Sustainable Development Fee waiver.”