Kathmandu, July 22 -- Lawmakers have proposed allowing the government to regulate the room rates charged by star and other classified hotels under amendments to Nepal's proposed Integrated Tourism Bill. Hoteliers have criticised the proposal saying it would distort the market and that room rates should be left to market.

The bill is currently undergoing clause-by-clause scrutiny at a parliamentary committee after 58 lawmakers registered 263 amendments before its final debate and vote in parliament.

Lawmakers Shishir Khadka and Nitima Bhandari Karki have proposed a new provision barring any individual or institution from charging rates above those prescribed by the government.

Under the proposal, star hotels and all classified hotels wo...