The state government has put on hold its recent decision to steeply increase room tariffs from Rs 1,200 to Rs 4,000 at key state guest facilities, following widespread public backlash over the move.In a late evening notification issued on Wednesday, the General Administration Department (GAD) restored the earlier tariff of Rs 1,200 for 24 rooms located at Himachal Bhawan and Himachal Sadan in New Delhi, Himachal Bhawan in Chandigarh and Willy’s Park in Shimla.The official reason cited for the rollback was that the online booking system for the general public is still under process. However, the timing of the decision suggests that mounting criticism played a decisive role.The hike, originally notified on April 18, had come into immediate effect and proposed more than a threefold increase in tariffs, inclusive of all taxes. The move triggered strong reactions across social media, with many questioning the rationale behind such a steep increase within just 14 months of the previous revision.Earlier, on February 5, 2025, the government had already raised tariffs from Rs 500 to Rs 1,200 at these facilities. The latest jump to Rs 4,000 was widely seen as excessive, particularly given that these accommodations are often used by residents of Himachal Pradesh visiting Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla for official or personal work.While the April 18 order did not elaborate on the reasons for the hike, it included provisions aimed at tightening occupancy rules. It stated that there would be no proxy bookings and that only individuals in whose name the reservation was made would be permitted to stay. It also directed the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) to ensure quality services for occupants.These government-run accommodations are in high demand, especially under the GAD booking system. In Delhi, access to rooms at Himachal Bhawan and Himachal Sadan is restricted to official bookings, whereas in Chandigarh and Shimla, a limited number of rooms are also available under a commercial category.