Steps taken for tourists protection
The Ministry of Tourism has taken following steps in order to ensure safety and security of tourists, including foreign tourists:
i. The Ministry of Tourism in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations had proposed to set up Tourist Police at prominent tourist spots. The State Governments/UT Administrations of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have deployed Tourist Police, in one form or the other.
ii. The Ministry of Tourism along with all stakeholders, including the Tourism Departments of all States and UTs, have adopted the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’ which is a set of guidelines to encourage tourism activities to be undertaken with respect for basic right like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents in particular, women and children.
iii. Ministry of Tourism is running the Social Awareness Campaign on television to sensitize the masses and the stakeholders on the traditional Indian values and concept ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’. The campaign consists of two commercials; one on sensitizing against misbehavior with tourists and the other against cleanliness of tourist sites and streets.
iv. The National Tourism Ministers’ Conference was convened on 18th July, 2013 in New Delhi which resolved; that the Departments of Tourism of all States and UTs will work for ensuring the safety and security of tourists, especially women.
v. An advisory has been posted on the Ministry of Tourism website www.incredibleindia.org indicating that India remains safe destination for international Tourists including women tourists.
vi. The Stake holders have identified focal points in their respective organizations to implement the ‘Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism’.
By: k.mohan