In a significant step towards preserving and promoting Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasised the need for an action plan to familiarise the younger generation with the state’s glorious history. Speaking at a review meeting of the Tourism, Art, and Culture Department on Thursday, Sharma directed officials to encourage school students to visit regional monuments regularly. The initiative is aimed at helping students better understand and appreciate the state’s cultural and historical significance.
The Chief Minister underlined the importance of incorporating heritage education into the school curriculum, urging the Tourism Department to take necessary steps to enhance youth engagement with Rajasthan’s historic sites. He added that effective branding and promotion of key tourist spots should be carried out to attract both domestic and international visitors.
“We need to market Rajasthan’s tourism potential on a global scale, showcasing our festivals, monuments, and scenic locations to a wider audience,” he said.
Sharma also emphasised the role of the tourism sector in generating employment. He revealed plans to provide training to 20,000 youth and folk artists over the next two years under the Chief Minister’s Tourism Skill Development Program. This initiative will focus on training in traditional arts and hospitality, creating sustainable job opportunities for local youth.
To boost the state’s tourism sector, the Chief Minister shared plans to introduce a new tourism policy aimed at accelerating growth in the sector and enhancing infrastructure facilities at tourist destinations. Rajasthan will also be forming a Tourism Development Board that will focus on promoting eco-tourism, rural tourism, and heritage tourism.
In addition, the Chief Minister reviewed several development projects, including the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit, Fossil Park and Open Rocks Museum in Jaisalmer, and the Light and Sound Show in Chittorgarh and Amer. He also discussed the repair and beautification of the White Palace, Pratap Phoolwari, Fort of Vaira, and other sites, as well as the heritage development of the proposed Krishna Gaman Path and Jaipur boundary wall.
Ravi Jain, the Administrative Secretary of the Tourism Department, provided an overview of the tourism sector’s economic significance, noting its contribution of 5.6% to Rajasthan’s GDP.
He emphasised the vital role tourism plays in the state’s economy. Jain also highlighted the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed during the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit, which are expected to generate new employment opportunities for the youth.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, and other senior officials, who offered their valuable insights and support for the proposed initiatives.
