Union Minister of Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the Centre’s commitment to resolving the Inner Line Permit (ILP) issue while chairing a Tourism Ministers’ Conclave on Monday. Asserting that the states have flagged the ILP concerns, he assured that the Centre is working hard to find a suitable solution.
“Some of the states have flagged this issue (ILP); we are committed to resolve the ILP issue and find an appropriate solution,” the Union Minister said.
When asked for further details, Shekhawat added, “Whatever may be the appropriate solution to ease out the ILP issue, we will be taking steps forward towards that.”
Further, the Union Minister also announced that the Centre is working on a new scheme for border area tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
He urged states and stakeholders to submit proposals to help formalize this new scheme.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are formulating new schemes for border area tourism with the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs. I have requested all the states and stakeholders to come up with proposals for their respective states to formalize the new scheme,” Shekhawat stated.
The Minister also dismissed safety concerns regarding the Northeastern region despite its proximity to international borders. “I don’t think being on the international borders poses any safety challenge for any of the states. Our entire Northeastern region is among the safest places in the world to travel,” he added.
Shekhawat chaired a significant Tourism Ministers’ Conference on Monday, which brought together Tourism Ministers from the Northeastern and Eastern States, as well as Union Territories.
The conference deliberated on several key issues such as the development of iconic tourist centers, identification of alternative destinations, marketing strategies, ease of doing business, attracting private investments, cleanliness, and tourist safety. The day-long conclave, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, aimed to shape the future of tourism in India by discussing strategies for its sustainable development.