New Delhi: Hemant Soren, Chief Minister, Jharkhand, launched here ‘Jharkhand Tourism Policy 2021’ which is aimed at reviving, renewing and revamping the tourism sector of the state, and provide a different dimension and perspective as to how the world views the state of Jharkhand. It targets to bring out the marvels of the state that has an enchanting mix of old world charms and new age excitements. ‘Jubilant Jharkhand’ embarks on a journey to register its place as one of the most sought-after tourist destinations by 2025.

Addressing the launch of ‘Jharkhand Tourism Policy 2021’ organized by FICCI jointly with the Jharkhand government, the Chief Minister said: “Pandemic has been a challenge for people across the globe. Tourism sector has had the hardest hit. We have tried to figure out the deterrents in the path of development and aim to do the best that we can for the betterment of our state and its residents.”

The key aspects of the policy focus on providing civic amenities and adopting ways of beautification for sites like Deoghar, Parasnath, Madhuban and Itkhori. With its aim to elevate the potentials of religious tourism in the state, religious tourist units will also be set up. Further, with its ambitions to embrace eco-tourism and make tourist activities more responsible in nature, provisions are also being made to provide accommodations to tourists in forest rest houses and tree plantations along with development of eco-circuits.

The policy also strives to cater to the modern travellers by making ample room for their tastes and likings. Promotion of adventure tourism activities such as paragliding, water sports, rock climbing, gliding etc. have been proposed. Further, Annual Adventure Sports Events are to be organised and regulatory frameworks for ensuring safety standards are to be set up. Water sports activities would be developed and extended to various water bodies in the State like Tilaiya, Massanjore, Chandil, Pataratu, Getalsud, Kelaghagh, Kanke dam, Hatia dam, etc.

The New Tourism Policy seeks to attract an influx of investors to the state. Attractive provisions have been proposed for prospective investors which include: direct purchases of land of tourism enterprises, road permits, subsidy limit of 20-25 per cent up to Rs 10 crore for new tourist units, new tourism units shall be entitled to reimbursement of 75 per cent of net SGST paid for five years since commencement of commercial operation, no holding tax to be charged to new tourism units and reimbursement of electricity duty for the first five years. /BI/