The Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture held its meeting in Kachchh, Gujarat recently. It was chaired by the Union Minister of State for Culture (I/C), Tourism (I/C) and Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma.
Addressing the participants, Sharma said that tourism should not just be the sole prerogative of the rich. It should be made affordable for the domestic tourist also who desires to take his or her old parents for a pilgrimage, he added. The agenda of the meeting was ‘General overview of Tourism sector’ for Ministry of Tourism and ‘General overview on Culture’ for Ministry of Culture.
The Minister explained the new schemes PRASAD and HRIDAY introduced in the Budget of 2014-15. The MPs appreciated the introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as an excellent initiative and that it should be expanded further. They also spoke of opportunities to promote culture and tourism in their respective constituencies. Bishnu Pada Ray spoke of the immense potential of Andaman and Nicobar from tourism angle and development of Viper Island and Cellular Jail by the ASI. MPs also advised about proper monitoring of Central funds.
