OREANDA-NEWS. April 23, 2012.The central government is in the process of drafting a new policy on the supply of commercial LPG cylinders, which in turn will reduce the financial burden on small restaurants and hotels, said Union minister for consumer affairs and public distribution K V Thomas.

He was inaugurating the state conference of Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association (KHRA) here on Sunday. The minister said that the state and central governments will immediately come up with a solution to various issues faced by hotels and restaurants in the state.

"In the next session of Parliament, people's representatives from the state will raise the issues in the House. The Union ministry is getting many petitions from Kerala regarding issues faced by hotels and restaurants such as the price-hike of LPG cylinders, dearth of employees in this sector, etc. We are sure these can be sorted out amicably," the minister said.

G Sudhieshkumar, state president of KHRA presided over the meeting. Minister for excise and ports K Babu handed over the trophy constituted for the best performing district to Pathanamthitta. The art and cultural activities of KHRA was inaugurated by actor Mohanlal.

LDF convener Vaikom Viswam, MLA Hibi Eden and mayor Tony Chammany attended the function. Seminars on topics like 'Micro, small and medium enterprise' and 'Smooth operation of hotels' were organized as part of the conference on Sunday morning. Discussions were held on various legal problems faced by hotels.