Rajasthan

• 25 Feb 2022

Industry Status to Tourism in State Budget 2022-23

Why in News

• In the State Budget 2022-23 presented by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on February 23, 2022, it has been announced to give industry status to tourism in order to promote and provide support to the tourism sector.

Key Points

• In the State Budget 2022-23, many announcements have been made to meet the needs of the people of the state and for the welfare of each and every section. Necessary provisions have also been made to implement all the announcements.
• It is noteworthy that for the first time in the history of the country and the state, the Agriculture Budget has been presented by Chief Minister Gehlot.
• State Tourism Minister Vishvendra Singh said that taking a big decision in the interest of the officers and employees of the state, an old pension scheme as earlier has been announced for the employees appointed on and after January 1, 2004.
• To give impetus to tourism related works, the amount of the Tourism Development Fund has been increased from Rs 500 crore to Rs 1000 crore. This will encourage tourism.
• In order to promote adventure tourism, the 'Adventure Tourism Promotion Scheme' has been announced in the budget. Further in order to provide facilities to the tourists, a provision has been made to recruit 500 tourist friends for the help and safety of tourists including an integrated online booking portal and mobile app at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
• To promote tourism in Dungarpur and Banswara region and nearby religious places, 'Vagad Tourist Circuit' will be developed, as well as a Vedic Gurukul will be built at Govind Guru Tribal University, Banswara at a cost of Rs 10 crore. 
• The honorarium and other allowances given to folk artists will be increased by up to 25 percent. With this, along with improving the financial condition of the artists, they will also get financial support.