Madhya Pradesh to make women travelling safer

BHOPAL: A Rs 28 crore project in the hospitality industry is all set to turn the tourism sector in Madhya Pradesh safer, especially for the women travellers that too who have been travelling solo.
The centre has sanctioned the project with 60 % share in funding. The remaining money will be spent by the state. This would include imparting self defense training to 20,000 women and enhancing women’s skills in the hospitality industry.This will be implemented in about 50 popular destinations of the state which include almost all the destinations.
Shivani, a solo traveller from Bhopal said that she had planned a visit to Pachmarhi after the tourism sector was opened. “ I wanted to stay more for a day or two but gave up the idea of travelling to the less travelled spots.
“Presence of women staff and cops would have encouraged me to stay for a longer period”, she said.
Principal secretary tourism Sheoshekhar Shukla told TOI that “ Whether solo, groups or women travelling with families , this will help all . This is a project related to women empowerment and safe destinations for women travellers. A massive skill programme would be launched for the local women living around the destinations. The skill will enhance job opportunities. Other women will be imparted self defense training.”
He said that “it is a first of its kind project” and the state has identified traits to develop skills in the field of various front office jobs for women, chefs, tour operators, housekeeping and tourist guides among others.
“We may have more women in the police to have women police stations at these places", he said.
The plan was in fact sent for approval by the erstwhile Congress government a few months before it was toppled.
Besides coordinating with different other government agencies like police and local urban bodies to implement the project, the government plans to involve some NGOs in the project.
“We will also run campaigns for behavioral and attitudinal changes among the people at the tourist destinations," Shukla said. The project will be implemented soon.