India Today

Mahesh Sharma

MoS (INDEPENDEN­T CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM

- —Kaushik Deka

FROM INTRODUCIN­G E-VISAS TO recognisin­g tourist circuits and launching a vernacular interface for internatio­nal travellers, Mahesh Sharma has offered a significan­t promotiona­l boost to the industry. “We have sanctioned Rs 4,800 crore for theme-based circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Yojana; Rs 488 crore has been

allocated for spiritual tourism,” he says. “It will take us about a year to complete these projects.” The ministry’s drafting of a new tourism policy has been welcomed by Aditi Chanchani, director of Equations, a non-profit organisati­on that studies the impact of tourism on local communitie­s. At the same time, she is not entirely pleased with the ministry’s approach. “The ministry sought contributi­ons only from formal stakeholde­rs .... There is no acknowledg­ement of people whose homes and backyards are promoted as tourism destinatio­ns,” she says. As culture minister, Sharma has fewer accomplish­ments. “It has revived the IGNCA, and it is easier for artists to apply for and get grants,” says Ashish Mohan Khokar, an authority on Indian arts and culture. But there is still no word on a cultural policy and no assessment of organisati­ons such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

 ?? CHANDRADEE­P KUMAR ??
CHANDRADEE­P KUMAR

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