Jammu, Feb 5, KDC: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that every part of Jammu and Kashmir is directly or indirectly linked to the tourism sector and underscored the urgent need to simplify outdated procedures to strengthen the industry.
Speaking on the floor of the House while replying to questions raised by several MLAs on tourism promotion, the Chief Minister said that although some districts have greater tourism potential than others, tourism remains an integral component across the entire Union Territory.
Referring to the registration process in the tourism sector, Omar Abdullah acknowledged that the existing mechanism is rigid and requires immediate reform. He said the department itself admits that the current registration process is overly strict and needs simplification.
“I am personally embarrassed that since 1978 these rules and procedures were never reviewed,” the Chief Minister told the House.
Admitting his own share of responsibility, he said that during his earlier six-year stint in government, serious thought was not given to revisiting these procedures. “Many of you were also part of governments at different times, but it did not happen. However, better late than never—we are now working on it,” he said.
He stressed that simplifying the registration process cannot be treated as a mere formality. “It is not enough to bring it under the Public Services Act and claim that the job is done. Real simplification is required,” Omar Abdullah said.
On the issue of reopening tourist destinations, the Chief Minister said the time has come to allow access to areas that were earlier closed in the Kashmir Valley. “It is a fact that some tourist places were closed. The time has now come to open them,” he said.
He further informed the House that discussions are underway with the Government of India on the matter. “I assure the House that the issue of reopening closed tourist destinations will be taken up with the Union Home Minister, who is visiting Jammu and Kashmir,” the Chief Minister added. (KDC)
