Gaya: Bodhgaya-based foreign monasteries heaved a sigh of relief as the inquiry into allegations of commercial use of guesthouses and other business activities inside the monastery premises has found them to be false.
The state commercial tax department conducted an inspection but did not come across evidence suggesting the commercial use of guesthouses and other facilities. The findings were revealed during a review meet held on Friday. District magistrate (DM) Abhishekh Singh chaired the meet. The public relations department issued a press note on the review meet.
Bodhgaya-based groups have been alleging commercial use of facilities developed at these monasteries. The commercial tax department officials, according to the press release, informed the DM that the monasteries offered hospitality to their donors/benefactors and no tariff was charged for the purpose. "It also did not come across evidence of other commercial activities," said a commercial taxes department official.
Hailing the findings, Ven Pragya Deep, the chairman of the International Buddhist Council, the body representing the interests of the Bodhgaya-based foreign monasteries, alleged that some people with vested interests have launched a sinister campaign against the foreign monasteries. "Such selected targeting may prove to be counter-productive and dent the country's image abroad," said Pragya Deep.
A foreign monastery functionary alleged discrimination saying that whereas the major violators of building construction laws like hotels, schools and private individuals go scot-free, foreign monasteries are served notice after notice by the local officials.
Bodhgaya civic body executive officer Sushil Kumar denied that foreign monasteries were being singled out for harassment. "Notices have also been issued to hoteliers. Incidents of building law violations by hoteliers is much more as compared to the foreign monasteries," said Sushil.
The DM was also informed that the monasteries by and large complied with the Form C requirements. Form C, as per the Foreigners Act, is a mandatory requirement. The form is to be submitted online by hotels, guesthouses and other hosts of foreign nationals, furnishing details like name, nationality, address, passport/visa details, purpose of visit and duration of stay among other things. The DM, during the meet, directed officials to keep vigil on visitors, particularly foreigners visiting Bodhgaya.
The DM directed the officials of the Bodhgaya nagar panchayat to regularise the constructions made by the monasteries in violation of building laws. "The regularisation will be done after realising penalty, as per the law," he said.
The Bodhgaya circle officer has been directed to ensure that new buildings do not come up without proper map approval by the competent authority.
