Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Rajya Sabha that 15 states and Union Territories have established dedicated Tourist Police units to enhance visitor safety. These states include Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, and Uttar Pradesh.
Shekhawat mentioned that the Bureau of Police Research and Development conducted a study on the Tourist Police Scheme, aiming to create a comprehensive framework for its uniform implementation nationwide. He clarified that no special financial aid was provided by the Union Ministry to set up these dedicated units.
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, conducted a study on the functioning of Tourist Police in states and UTs. This study, titled “Functioning of Tourist Police in States/UTs and Documentation of Best Practices,” was shared with all states and UTs. Additionally, a training module for Tourist Police, developed by IITTM, was circulated to state governments and UT administrations by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
To further ensure tourist safety, a National Conference on the Tourist Police Scheme was organized in New Delhi by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Home Affairs, and BPR&D. The conference brought together Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police Departments from all states and UTs.
