The Gazetteers Department

Hotels and restaurants provided means of livelihood to 600 persons in 1951. The 1961 Census which classifies workers in this occupation under 'services rendered by hotels, restaurants, lodging and boarding houses' enumerated 1,082 persons.

Most of the establishments surveyed are on proprietary basis while a few are hereditary. The establishments formed in the urban and rural areas offer a contrast in regard to their furniture, equipment and general set-up.

In the nature of things the equipment of a rural hotel is consistent with its very low turnover. The establishments in rural areas are typical in that it is very difficult to make them out as such. Some of these establishments serve tea exclusively while some combine other beverages with tea. They also serve a limited number of eatables such as shev, chivda, ladu. papad, bhajia, misal, etc. They are usually situated near a bus stand, if any, or near the market place.

The establishments in the urban area on the other hand are distinct by their very appearance. They are better housed and serve a variety of eatables, fresh and dry. Their equipment comprises crockery, utensils of brass and copper and a number of small utensils like glasses, spoons, plates etc. Facilities like wash-basin, fans are also provided in some hotels or restaurants. They employ different persons for different jobs such as manager, cooks, waiters, etc. Some of the establishments are provided with radios, cushioned furniture, fans, mirrors etc., and family rooms. However, the rates charged by these hotels are comparatively higher and hence their clientele is restricted in the district. Such hotels are at Wardha, Hinganghat, Pulgaon, Arvi and Ashti.

The materials required by these establishments consist mainly of rice, wheat, gram flour, rava (semolina), vanaspati-ghee, edible oils, condiments and spices, vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, potatoes, tea-leaves and tea dust, sugar, milk, coffee and a number of such articles. Charcoal is generally used as fuel. The quantity of these items consumed depends upon the size and turnover of the establishment.

In urban centres the amount of initial capital investment and the outlay on current liabilities range between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 15,000. The fixed capital is mainly required for the investment in tools and equipment.

The employment pattern in this occupation is not uniform throughout the district and is moreover of a floating type. The hotels in rural areas are run by family workers with the help of one or two servants, whereas in big hotels in urban area 2 to 7 or 8 workers are employed. In a few cases the number is found to exceed 15. Their emoluments differ according to the services rendered. A cook is paid Rs. 50 and other workers from Rs. 25 to 100 per month. Besides the salary, all the workers are provided meals and breakfast also.

The income of these establishments mainly depends upon the total turnover. The business is brisk at the time of local fairs, festivals but it is dull in rainy season. The total monthly turnover of a fairly big establishment ranges between Rs. 750 and 1,500. The same for a medium size between Rs. 450 and Rs. 1,200 and for a small tea shop about Rs. 90 to Rs. 450 only.

Raw materials, wages, and other items such as rent and electricity constitute the expenditure of these establishments. Of these, accessories alone amount for half the expenditure. The expenditure on electricity ranges between Rs. 5 and Rs. 50 and for rent between Rs. 10 and Rs. 110 per month. Most of them had not incurred any debts and where they had it was insignificant, ranging between Rs. 600 and Rs. 2,000 only. There is a hotel owners association at Hinganghat.

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