Cabinet approves Assam Tourism Policy, 2022; aims to develop adequate infrastructure at tourist places

July 28: July 28: In the weekly Assam Cabinet on 28 July, several key decisions related to dual medium in Govt schools, teaching of Science & Maths in English, Geography & History as compulsory subjects, new Tourism Policy, uniform building bye-laws, awards for Govt employees, caste certificates for Morans, etc., among others were taken. The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. 

KEY DECISIONS:

Assam Tourism Policy 2022

The Cabinet on Thursday approved the Assam Tourism Policy, 2022 which aims to develop adequate infrastructure at places of tourist interest with connecting circuits while taking into consideration the ecological and cultural sensitivities of Assam

Key Features: 

• Engagement of local people both directly and indirectly in various tourism endeavours
• Support towards development of Home Stay (Amar Alohi) schemes among local communities
• Focus on coordination between Tourism and Transportation sectors
• Creation of Special Tourism Zones (STZ) by promoting Tea tourism, Golf tourism, Medical & Wellness, Adventure tourism along with the existing Wildlife and Heritage circuit
• Promoting private sector investments in the sector from domestic and international players through PPP mode

Boost to Tea Tourism:

• Guidelines for promotion and development of Tea Tourism Infrastructure approved
• 50 Tea Gardens with iconic bungalows close to existing tourism circuits to be selected for development of Tourism Infrastructure on PPP mode
• 50% of project infrastructure cost to be contributed as State share (maximum Rs2 crore)
• In Budget 2022-23, Rs.50 crore was earmarked for promotion of development of Tea Tourism
• Total scheme outlay for 50 tea gardens: Rs.100 crore

Hospitality Project in Manas National Park:

■ Hospitality project to be set up in Manas National Park at existing Bashbari Lodge property of Assam Tourism Development Corporation on PPP mode.