Govt officials to visit tourist sites under new scheme

Patna: The general administration department (GAD) has issued guidelines for a new govt initiative aimed at promoting tourism at sites known for art, culture, environmental diversity and historical significance, while also boosting the rural economy.

Under the initiative, govt officers and employees will be allowed to spend two days every three months with their families at tourist destinations outside their home district. During the visit, they will have to stay overnight and visit at least three tourist sites. They will also submit photographs, local information and written accounts of their experiences to the district officer of their posting district.

Additional chief secretary of the GAD, B Rajender, has issued directions in this regard to additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, the director general of police, the principal chief conservator of forests, divisional commissioners, inspector generals of police, deputy inspector generals of police, regional chief conservators of forests and other senior officials.

According to the guidelines, officers and employees undertaking these visits will remain exempt from departmental inspections and review meetings during the two-day period. Reports submitted after the visits will be forwarded to the tourism department, the environment, forest and climate change department, and the art and culture department for further action.

The govt said the initiative is aimed at accelerating tourism and eco-tourism development in lesser-known regions of the state. During this period, the tourism department, district officers and forest division officers will work on promoting home-stay facilities in tourist areas.

The plan is expected to generate income opportunities for local residents by encouraging tourists to stay in village homes on a payment basis, while also offering authentic cultural experiences, local cuisine and traditional hospitality.