On 08-01-2017, a 'VIP' group had taken 2 Rooms at Bangaram Resort, Lakshadweep, and the guests reached directly by 'Yacht'. The group was forced to pay all expenses against a handwritten bill to an unknown bank account, deviating official procedure.

The booking was arranged by 'MintValley Tourism Division', so the group was complained to them and asked them to produce a proper invoice since it was not acceptable and cannot be accounted for.  

Please find below the details of payment made by 'MintValley' guests to 'Lakshadweep Tourism' for Accommodation including Water sports as against their handwritten bill.

Click on the image below to enlarge. [PDF File Size 475 KB]

Recently, SPORTS, the nodal agency of Lakshadweep Administration for promotion of tourism in the islands, had provided certain documents to a legal associate of 'MintValley Tourism', under the Right To Information Act, (RTI Act, 2005). On scrutinizing the documents a massive manipulation of accounts could be suspected under its tour packages. This aspect, though it may sound out of our field of interest, we are sure will be of care and concern to the authorities. Order No.166 Year 2013 Central Information Commission [PDF File Size 40 KB]Let´s Share

The massive derecognition of 25 approved travel agents of 'Sports', from its only 39 authorized agents, sounds completely strange and heightened suspicions of foul play lurking in the Sports. However, it is widely known that many of the agents who are having fiduciary relations with the SPORTS and working under Benami ownership. The PIO of Sports is therefore liable to explain the reasons for their withdrawal of 25 approved travel agents in a single year. Read full text: The massive derecognition of 25 approved travel agents of Sports, RTI Appeal to Lakshadweep Tourism 'Appeal Filed under RTI, before the Appellate authority, Lakshadweep Tourism, Kavaratti, Lakshadweep. Let´s Share

The intervention of the Information Commissioner, under the RTI Act, has revealed the highest volume of business by "MintValley Tourism Division" than the "Approved" Travel Agents of SPORTS in 2012-13 Financial Year. An adequate probe into the entire accounts of SPORTS is necessary to ensure that as envisioned by the Government of India, the ear-marked percentage of profits derived out of tourism are properly utilized for the welfare of the inhabitants of the Lakshadweep islands, who are deprived of the very essential facilities of life like health service, education facilities, good transportation, etc. Let´s Share

As early as 1999, the officials of Lakshadweep Tourism had discussions with MintValley for its tourism development programmes in the islands. Among other points discussed, SPORTS had solicited our professional support and cooperation for the marketing of their properties. Our activities are not confined to that of a travel agent, therefore, MintValley had one demand that the status of a general sales agent.

This was agreed upon. Although we were given a commission (TAC) till 2004, thereafter stopped the payment without intimating any reason thereof. The matter has been in correspondence thereafter, with no results. However, as a good partner, we have continued all our efforts to increase the business volume of SPORTS till March 2012. We have the right to know how the accumulated commission on total sales worth Rs. 4 crores had been apportioned, deceived, and or manipulated by SPORTS! Let´s Share

The unbridled actions of corrupt officials of SPORTS have brought defame and shame to the promoters of Lakshadweep Tourism. Apart from the routine ship cancellations, there were many other manipulations associated exclusively with the GM’s influence and direct control. In such situations, the image and goodwill of a service provider who deals with SPORTS will be tarnished. An impartial inquiry could reveal the truth behind this. Last-minute cancellations[PDF File Size 260 KB]. Let´s Share

Instances were many in the recent past where the enthusiastic tourists to the Lakshadweep Islands were put to untold miseries and strain during the course of their trip to this exotic islands of the Lakshadwep. Such problems arose due to the sudden cancellation of the ship booking, non-availability due to over-booking, the irregular ferry service between the islands, irresponsible service pattern of the SPORTS management etc... Let´s Share