Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced plans to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy. The government aims to raise this contribution from six to 10 percent by 2047, with an interim target of seven percent by 2030. Shekhawat credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for enhancing India’s global reputation, positively impacting tourism.
Tourism, according to Shekhawat, plays a crucial role in driving local economies by directly benefiting communities. He highlighted the sector’s role in creating employment opportunities across various industries like hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and local products. Shekhawat emphasized that tourism has the potential to generate substantial employment, second only to agriculture.
The Union government is prioritizing the enhancement of tourism infrastructure and visitor facilities nationwide. Shekhawat mentioned that over 250 million people have risen above the poverty line due to government welfare initiatives. He also noted significant economic growth since 2014, leading to increased per capita income and farmers’ earnings. Effective inflation management has further boosted domestic tourism by improving people’s purchasing power.
Regarding the transfer process in Rajasthan, Shekhawat revealed that many employees have sought transfers due to various genuine reasons after the ban was lifted. His office has forwarded such requests to the relevant Ministers for review. While most eligible employees have already been transferred, applications are still being accepted for challenging postings or administrative reasons. Shekhawat described the transfers as a routine administrative process expected to continue in the coming days.
