Minister Warns Kodagu Hotels and Homestays to Comply with Minimum Wage Norms

Representative photo of a homestay in Kodagu; inset: Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad

Madikeri: Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh S. Lad, during his visit to Kodagu instructed hotel and homestay operators, labour unions, and other trade bodies in the district to strictly adhere to minimum wage regulations.

He cautioned that stringent measures would be taken against any establishment found violating the law or if complaints from workers reached the department.

The Minister underlined that workers often remain unaware of government welfare programmes. He urged associations to ensure that employees are made fully aware of benefits such as state-provided health insurance.

He also highlighted the importance of worker and guest safety, particularly in the hospitality sector. “Homestays and hotels must not compromise on security. Installation of CCTV cameras and maintaining a complete record of guest details should be made compulsory,” Mr. Lad said.

Addressing concerns regarding the complex process of registration and renewal of licences for homestays in Kodagu, the Minister assured stakeholders that talks would be initiated with the Tourism, Urban Development, and Panchayat Raj Ministers. He advised hotel and homestay associations to nominate a public relations or liaison officer who could coordinate paperwork with government offices. He further proposed that unresolved licence applications could be reviewed and cleared during quarterly Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meetings at the district level.

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kodagu popularly known as Coorg has emerged as one of Karnataka’s leading tourist destinations. Its scenic coffee plantations, mist-covered hills, wildlife sanctuaries, and waterfalls attract visitors from across India and abroad. The district is also known for its distinctive Kodava culture and cuisine, which add to its charm as a holiday spot.

Over the past decade, the number of homestays in Kodagu has increased rapidly, with many families opening their homes to tourists. This growth, however, has brought challenges such as unregulated operations, safety concerns, and disputes over labour practices. The government has been under pressure to balance tourism development with labour welfare and regulatory oversight.

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