(a) whether the Government has formulated any scheme to develop tourism in J&K;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has received any proposal from the State Government in this regard; and
(d) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon and the assistance provided to the State Government during the current year?
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SMT. RENUKA CHOWDHURY)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. It is the endeavor of both the Central and State Government to promote
tourism in the State of J&K. A special Reconstruction Plan for tourism in J&K has been
formulated which includes:
i) Setting up of 50 tourist villages across the state.
ii) Financial support for 12 Tourism Development Authorities at Patnitop, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Lakhanpur-Sarthal, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Kokernag, Sonamarg, Leh & Kargil.
iii) Establishing a new tourist circuit covering Lakahanpur-Basoli-Bani-Bhaderwah-Kishtwar- Sinthan-Srinagar.
iv) Assistance to travel agents for marketing in the form of support for sales-cum-study tours and participation in fairs/exhibitions abroad, printing of brochures, organizing seminars /presentations abroad, participation trade fairs etc., and joint advertising under existing central sector schemes.
v) Training to tourism industry personnel for building their capacities through the Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar.
vi) Developing skills of youth for employment/self employment in tourism industry through one year courses imparted by Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar.