Jamshedpur, Jan. 11: The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) has asked for Rs 45 crore from Jharkhand’s tourism department to relinquish control over 15 complexes located in Ranchi, Betla, Netarhat and Urwanh.

Sources in the tourism department said the Bihar corporation claimed the amount from Jharkhand and has also filed a petition in Patna High Court. This is the second time that BSTDC has claimed an amount from Jharkhand.

Earlier, in 2001 it had demanded about Rs 4 crore to meet the outstanding expenses of two mini-complexes in Hazaribagh, which were later taken over by the state tourism wing.

Jharkhand tourism director Sanoj Jha said: “BSTDC moved Patna High Court on December 12 last year. The court has issued a stay order over any takeover process of tourist complexes. The amount claimed by the tourism development corporation has to be verified before that. However, nothing can be done now as the matter is pending in the court.”

Jha said tourism department officials of both states were scheduled to meet in Patna on January 7 to iron out the differences over distribution of assets and liabilities. But the meeting had to be postponed due to the Bihar bandh. The meeting will now be held on January 17.

“We are optimistic of a positive outcome. Apart from BSTDC’s recent claim, several other issues related to distribution of other tourism assets such as the corporation’s buses and taxis currently operating in the state would be taken up for discussion,” he said.

Sources close to BSTDC managing director Atul Prasad said that at present, there are over 20 major and minor tourist complexes, including guesthouses, which are under its possession in Jharkhand.

“The Jharkhand government has to clear the outstanding water, electricity and other expenses before taking over the possession of tourist complexes,” the sources added.

A senior official of BSTDC, A. Kumar, said that during his recent visit to the state, Prasad held a meeting with the tourism director and secretary on ways and means to break the deadlock. During the meeting, state tourism officials had agreed to clear the outstanding dues of the corporation, he added.

Kumar said the January 17 meeting was important as some important decisions are expected on the distribution of tourism assets. Tourism secretaries of both states would be present, he said.