Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s state-run transport corporation (GSRTC) has cracked down on deceptive hotel operators and cancelled contracts with 27 establishments found to be masquerading under Hindu names despite being owned by Muslims.
The move comes after widespread complaints on social media about hotels along highways using Hindu names to secure contracts with GSRTC, which operates state transport buses across Gujarat. Every year, the corporation invites tenders for hotels to provide amenities to passengers and the winning bidders sign contracts.
Muslim owners using Hindu names
Investigations revealed that many hotels, including some with names inspired by Hindu deities, were owned by Muslims. For instance, Hotel Shivshakti, located on the Bhuj-Dhragandhra-Ahmedabad route, was found to be owned and managed by Muslims despite being named after a Hindu deity. Other hotels on the list include Hotel Tulsi, Hotel Maruti, Hotel Vrindavad, Hotel Gurukripan, Hotel Sarvodaya, Hotel Shreeji, Hotel Sahyog, Hotel Galaxy, Hotel Ronak and Hotel Satimata.
GSRTC has terminated agreements with these hotels and its buses will no longer stop at these establishments. The corporation’s action is seen as a major step in combating deceptive business practices and ensuring transparency in its contracts. The cancelled contracts include hotels located in various districts, including Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Palanpur, Godhra, Mehsana, Bhuj, Bharuch, Vadodara and Rajkot.
UP nameplate row
Last year, the Uttar Pradesh government told shops and eateries to put up nameplates with the owner’s name. Many people thought this was unfair and targeted Muslim-owned businesses. The Supreme Court got involved and stopped the government’s order. They said it was discriminatory. The issue sparked a big debate. Many people, including some politicians, thought the government’s order was wrong. The Supreme Court’s decision was seen as a win for fairness and equality.
