Assam Cabinet approves ‘Tourism Policy 2022’

DISPUR, Assam: The state cabinet of Assam has given green signal to the ‘Tourism Policy 2022’, aimed at the development of infrastructure facilities at tourist destinations while preserving the cultural heritage and ecology of the state.

The cabinet meet chaired by the Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma also approved the creation of Special Tourism Zones (STZs) by promoting visits to tea gardens in the state, wellness programmes and adventures, and the existing wildlife and heritage circuit.

Jayanta Malla Baruah, Department of Tourism, Government of Assam said that the state government has prepared guidelines to be followed during the promotion and development of infrastructure in the state.

The cabinet also approved the infrastructure development in 50 tea gardens with iconic bungalows situated along the existing tourism routes in the Public Private Participation (PPP) model. Earlier, Rs 50 cores as has been set aside for the promotion of tea tourism in the state budget of 2022-23.

The policy envisages local participation in the tourism initiatives, development of homestays and facilitating coordination between tourism and transport.

During the meeting, the cabinet also approved a proposal introducing a dual medium of instruction in the state-run schools from class 6 to class 12. However, English can be introduced in addition to the Assamese or any other vernacular language only.

The state government has also approved the plan proposing educational facilities in all state-run schools in an effort to promote gender equality except for traditionally significant girls’ schools. Along with that, the state government will commemorate the death anniversary of CM Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi which falls on August 5, as Lok Kalyan Divas.