Unmarried couples no longer welcome, OYO changes check-in rules
New Delhi (PTI): Travel booking major OYO has launched a new check-in policy for partner hotels, starting from Meerut, introducing guidelines effective this year whereby unmarried couples will no longer be welcome to check in.
Under the revised policy, all couples will be asked to present valid proof of relationship at the time of check-in, including for bookings made online. OYO has empowered its partner hotels' discretion to decline couple bookings based on their judgment, aligning with local social sensibility, the company said.
OYO has given the directive to its partner hotels in Meerut to ensure this with immediate effect. Based on ground feedback, the company may expand this to more cities, people familiar with the policy change said.
"OYO has received feedback in the past from civil society groups especially in Meerut urging action to address this issue. Additionally, residents from few other cities have petitioned for disallowing unmarried couples to check-in at OYO hotels," they said.
Pawas Sharma, Region Head, OYO North India, told PTI, "OYO is committed to upholding safe and responsible hospitality practices. While we respect individual freedoms and personal liberty, we also recognise our responsibility to listen to and work with the law enforcement and civil society groups in the micro markets we operate in. We will continue to review this policy and its impact periodically."
The initiative is a part of OYO's programme to transform outdated perception and project itself as a brand providing safe experience for families, students, business, religious and solo travellers, the company said.
Additionally, the programme aims to encourage longer stays and repeat bookings, enhancing customer trust and loyalty.
OYO has started pan-India initiatives such as joint seminars on safe hospitality with police and hotel partners, blacklisting hotels reportedly promoting immoral activities and initiating actions against unauthorised hotels using OYO branding, it added.
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KRS slams state government for delaying appointments to Karnataka Information Commission vacancies
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Rashtra Samithi (KRS) has slammed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for delaying the appointment of commissioners to the Karnataka Information Commission (KIC), arguing that the move undermines the effectiveness of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
In a letter, as cited by Deccan Herald on Monday, the KRS expressed concerns over the government’s inaction. They argued that the failure to fill these vacancies has disrupted the functioning of the KIC.
The KRS also pointed out that several government departments and agencies are refusing to provide information to the public, worsening the issue.
"The Supreme Court, during a hearing on January 7, raised serious objections to the delay and sought a report from the chief secretary. Despite this, the government has not taken steps to make the appointments,” Manjunath S. of the KRS was quoted as saying by DH.
Manjunath slammed the government for favouring candidates with bureaucratic backgrounds for these positions. He mentioned that out of the 11 commissioner posts, eight have been vacant for a long time, and the terms of the remaining three commissioners will end on April 18.
The KRS further highlighted the poor state of the RTI system in Karnataka. Manjunath claimed that many information officers and first appellate authorities lack knowledge of the RTI Act and often mislead applicants. “At the KIC, more than 50,000 complaints are pending, and applicants are forced to wait six months to a year just to have their applications heard. In some cases, it takes two to three years to obtain the requested information,” he said.
The Karnataka Rashtra Samithi called on the government to appoint qualified individuals who understand the RTI Act, requesting for urgent action to restore the KIC's effectiveness and ensure transparency in governance.
