Interview

‘It is too early to come out with a blueprint on tourism in MP’

She took over the ministry of tourism just two months back, but her undying spirit to learn more about her state is forcing her to press some key issues that the state faces in buying tourists. In a candid conversation with Sanjeev Bhar, Yashodhara Raje Scindia, minister for tourism, Madhya Pradesh, speaks her mind on how the state is gearing up to the challenge long confronted, by developing the hospitality and tourism at par with other leading states. Following are the excerpts from an exclusive interview

Yashodhara Raje Scindia Minister for Tourism, MP

Have you chalked out any plans for MP tourism?

It is too early to come out with a blueprint on tourism in Madhya Pradesh. Blueprint is such an attractive word to use. Everybody is asking me - have you got a roadmap? I don't believe in that. My state is too vast to understand in just six weeks. We have not planned any segmentation for the time being. I am going by pure instincts and practicality, talking to the concerned people from the tourism industry and keeping my mind completely open. Whether it is the hotel & restaurant association, tour operators, beverage segment associated whatever possible, as I believe, until you know things in true picture at ground level you can't have a blueprint.

But you must have identified some areas to move ahead?

It is true. We are looking at Dharmic (religious) tourism, adventure tourism, medical tourism, but you see, these are visions but segments, which in practicality may not get translated into reality. So I think, no point talking about it until I am able to deliver it.

How is the government machinery contributing towards building infrastructure for tourism?

We are looking into land banks. We plan to identify the various land areas available with the government and can be handed over to either the person who wishes to build an airport, or who needs land to build a hotel, or the person who needs to have his office place. His needs could be sorted out quickly where there is no government hurdles. We had a meeting recently where the revenue minister, tourism minister, home (administrative), town and urban planning ministers and all the PSs and their secretaries, comprising three tiers of people were present. We ministers agreed to start the process of implementation. It is a good sign that we all are moving in the same direction.

Are you pushing the finance department towards lowering excise and other taxes?

I have again spoken to the minister and told him, that in the end the hotel and restaurants are a valuable part of my hospitality industry and they are struggling. I explained to him the cause for tourism is not being promoted well. It is only possible when my hospitality is in place! So, if I don't help aviation with ATF and don't help hotels with excise policy and luxury tax, they are not going to help me either.

What should the hospitality and tourism industry look forward to?

The implementations take time. Government has its own problems and compliance and restrictions to go along with. But I can assure you that it is the first time that the tourism ministry, which was only getting Rs 6 crore and only 2 crore for marketing, is getting Rs 8½ crores for marketing this year. That's a quantum leap.

The industry needs to trust and need to nurture the relationship we are getting into.

And what about the infrastructure build up?

We have met with the principal secretary and ministry to improve the roads. Connectivity is my focus; good roads are the need of the hour. I want to work on my strengths - the only state in India with two heritage sites (Khajuraho & Sanchi); the national parks - Kanha with 131 tigers whereas Sariska has none, and Ranthambore is showing depleting numbers.

We have taken 17 roads in 32 places. I am also looking at the flight frequency to Khajuraho seven days a week by October regarding which I have spoken to the aviation minister, Praful Patel soon after I took over as minister. For Railways, we have met with the DRM, fixed the routes we are looking in. Food is another concern. I have also found out, there is an urgent need of an executive chef in my department who will go around every property of mine and check that the cuisine and the quality of food served is of high quality.