Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: M Y Tarigami, CPI (M) State Secretary and MLA, called on N N Vohra, Governor, at Raj Bhavan here today.
Mr Tarigami discussed with the Governor issues relating to the effective implementation of important socio-economic development programmes, elections to urban local bodies, empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions, efficient and transparent functioning of the administrative machinery and ensuring greater accountability at all levels of functioning.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the various Travel Agents Associations of Kashmir also called on Mr Vohra.
The delegation led by Nazir Bakshi discussed with the Governor various issues relating to the promotion of tourism in the State. They thanked the Governor for involving the travel trade and the hotel and hospitality industry in Jammu and Kashmir in the management of Shri Amarnathji Yatra for boosting tourism related activities in the State through the increased participation of local stakeholders. They urged for further increasing the quota of helicopter seats for the local travel trade during Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2013 and working out suitable arrangements for the travel trade to also have a share in the helicopter seat bookings for Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji pilgrimage.
Other demands projected by the delegation included establishing a separate Tourism Service cadre so that the officers selected serve for adequately long periods on tourism related assignments, so that their experience and expertise could be adequately utilized. They put forth various suggestions for the promotion of tourism on long term basis, adding that this sector has vast potential for contributing to employment generation and economic development of the State.
The Governor observed that J&K has been bestowed with unparalleled natural beauty, adding that tourism related infrastructure and facilities must harmonize with the environment and natural beauty. He assured the delegation that their demands in regard to working out an arrangement for providing them an increased quota of helicopter seats and for their involvement in the Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji pilgrimage helicopter travel bookings would be duly considered and he would early discuss with the Chief Minister all their other demands.
The delegation, comprising Rauf Ahmad Tramboo, President, Travel Agents Association of Kashmir; Sajad Madni, General Secretary, J&K Federation of Tour Operators; and G. R. Siah, former President, Travel Agents Society of Kashmir, extended their continued support and cooperation to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board in the smooth conduct of Shri Amarnathji yatra.
Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor, was present on the occasion.
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