Ensure effective implementation of the state’s tourism policy: Minister

Patna: State tourism minister Kedar Prasad Gupta on Wednesday directed officials to ensure effective implementation of the state’s tourism policy to attract maximum investment. He also asked the department to prepare action plans for the grand celebration of mythological fairs and festivals.

The directives were issued during a departmental review meeting held at the tourism directorate auditorium in Patna. The meeting, chaired by Gupta, was his first after assuming charge.

Tourism secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh welcomed the minister and gave a presentation on the department’s structure, functioning and ongoing schemes. He also briefed him on the latest status of state and central government projects and expenditure under various schemes.

Special Secretary-cum-Director Udayan Mishra apprised the minister of major tourist destinations under key circuits, including Buddha, Eco, Sikh, Jain, Ramayana, Sufi, Shiv Shakti and Gandhi circuits. He also presented details of the Tourism Policy, Home Stay Policy, and Branding and Marketing Policy aimed at boosting investment in the sector.

Addressing officials, Gupta said tourism would play a key role in Bihar’s development, echoing CM Nitish Kumar’s emphasis on the sector. He stressed that all schemes must be completed on time to ensure maximum benefit to the public. The minister also underlined the need to effectively disseminate departmental information among the public.

Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nand Kishor, Joint Secretary Indu Kumari, General Manager Chandan Chauhan, Joint Director Rajesh Raushan, Deputy Secretaries Dev Shri and Neha Kumari, along with other officials, were present.