The Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahesh Sharma chaired the meeting of the National Steering Committee (NSC) of the Mission Directorate on Swadesh Darshan& PRASAD Schemes of the ministry of Tourism in New Delhi today. The meeting was held to step up inter-ministerial cooperation and coordination for the speedy implementation of the two schemes. Officials from 12 Ministries participated in the meeting & gave their views on how their ministriescan help to promote tourism in India through expansion of Infrastructure, Road & Transport Facilities, Railways, Civil Aviation & Skill Development training among others.
Speaking on the occasion,Dr Mahesh Sharma said that if the various ministries coordinate and work hand in hand , then Indian tourism can grow by leaps and bounds. Dr. Sharma took suggestions from the representatives of the 12 ministries on tourism promotion and assured that the Ministry of Tourism will act on the suggestions. Some of the important suggestions by officials included connecting important destinations of Budhist circuit like Gaya and Varanasi by helicopter services , special coach for tourists in trains to important tourist destinations, training local people especially women as tourist guides to help generate employment, improving basic infrastructure facilities like transport and accommodation in tourist areas among others. The Secretary, Tourism Shri Vinod Zutshisought the support of various ministries to make the schemes and initiatives of ministry of tourism a success.