Rajasthan moves to protect tourists
NEW DELHI – Recent incidents of international tourists being sexually targeted at Pushkar and Udaipur, two of India’s major sightseeing destinations, have spurred Rajasthan’s tourism authorities into action.
The state tourism department will strengthen the Tourist Assistance Force (TAF) by inducting ex-servicemen and also providing them with new communication equipment and vehicles for better coordination.
According to local reports, it may also shut down unauthorised guesthouses and motels operating at major tourist destinations across the state.
“The ministry of tourism in association with the defence ministry has asked the state government to rope in ex-servicemen into the TAF to ensure the safety of international tourists,” said Mira Mehrishi, tourism principal secretary.
“Since these men were already trained during their tenure in the army, there will be an increase in the overall efficiency of the TAF.â€
More than 50,000 men retire from the Indian army every year, including those who are below the age of 35.
The tourists assistance force was set up in 2000 to help tourists arriving in the state. Currently, more than 40 TAF posts are vacant due to lack of trained professionals and low remuneration.
“We are planning to raise the pay scale to attract trained men, mainly ex-army men who now prefer to work in private security agencies where they have chances of getting a better pay package,†said tourism director Urmila Rajoria.
The tourism department has also called for a survey on unlicensed guesthouses and motels.
“We are planning to close down such accommodation facilities to ensure better security for international tourists.
“Both the recent incidents of alleged rape in Pushkar and Udaipur happened at such illegal guest houses. But the tourists also should also take some mandatory precautions to ensure a safe stay in the state,†Mehrishi said.
“Tourism is very important to Rajasthan since a large number of people are dependant on it for their daily livelihood in the state, so any incidents that threaten the tourism industry will be dealt strictly,†she said.
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