Gaya administration to submit Bodh Gaya monasteries probe report in HC

Gaya: The inquiry report of district administration in connection with the alleged violation of building laws, GST rules and Foreigners Act by the Bodh Gaya-based foreign monasteries would be submitted in the Patna high court on March 16.Bodh Gaya Hotel Association had filed a PIL in the high court demanding action against Bodh Gaya-based foreign monasteries on the charge of illegal constructions, violation of building laws, putting the monasteries to commercial use for hospitality-related business, loss of revenue to the govt and non observance of rules related to the arrival, departure and stay of foreigners visiting Bodh Gaya.As per the complaint, though established for religious purposes, the monasteries are allegedly indulging in commercial activities like sale of items of personal use by the tourists/pilgrims, items used in the performance of religious rituals, mementos and commercial use of the monastery guest houses causing loss to both the public exchequer as well as local business as rules regarding foreign exchange, commercial taxes, service charges and other monetary obligations are not followed by these monasteries.The complainants also alleged that whereas the organised hospitality sector has to mandatorily submit Form C in foreign section of district police on the arrival of foreigners, the foreign monasteries do not follow such rules. It is also alleged that provisions of the Foreigners Act are not complied by the foreign monasteries.While ordering inquiry into the affairs of the foreign monasteries, Gaya DM on Feb 7, imposed a ban on all ongoing construction related to monasteries, including any construction activity in the existing monasteries.A four-member inquiry committee headed by Md Shafiq, ADM (law and order) was tasked with fact finding in this respect. The other members of the inquiry committee are Gaya sadar SDO, circle officer Bodh Gaya and executive officer of the Bodh Gaya Nagar Parishad.When contacted Md Shafiq, the head of the inquiry team said the report was being compiled. Refusing to share the findings, Shafiq said it will be submitted in the high court.