NewKerala.com

Gujarat allocates Rs 125 crore for tourism in Ukai catchment to boost rural economy

The Gujarat government has allocated Rs 125 crore for tourism development in the Ukai catchment area to uplift the rural economy. State Tourism Minister Dr Jayram Gamit emphasized that rural tourism can realize the vision of a self-reliant India by creating employment opportunities. He noted that expansion in rural and tribal areas would give wider exposure to local produce, handicrafts, and traditions. The announcement was made at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Surat.

Key Points: Rs 125 cr for Ukai tourism to boost rural economy: Gujarat Minister

  • Rs 125 crore allocated for tourism in Ukai catchment area
  • Focus on rural, tribal, and wedding tourism to boost economy
  • Employment and self-employment opportunities through tourism expansion
  • Agricultural produce, handicrafts, and tribal culture to gain exposure
2 min read

Rs 125-cr provision for tourism in Ukai catchment region to uplift rural economy: Gujarat Minister at VGRC

Gujarat Minister Dr Jayram Gamit announces Rs 125 crore for Ukai catchment tourism to boost rural economy, employment, and tribal culture at Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference.

"With the development of tourism, employment and self-employment opportunities in rural and tribal areas will strengthen the rural economy - Dr Jayram Gamit"

Surat, May 1

The Gujarat government has allocated Rs 125 crore for the development of tourism in the Ukai catchment area, along with a focus on boosting the rural economy and generating employment, State Tourism Minister Dr Jayram Gamit said on Friday.

Addressing a seminar on "Rural, Tribal and Wedding Tourism" at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) held at AURO University in Surat, Gamit said rural tourism could play a central role in economic development.

"The vision of a truly self-reliant India can be realised through rural tourism development," he said.

He said the tourism department can contribute significantly to employment generation in rural areas and outlined efforts undertaken by the state government to develop major tourist destinations, including Saputara.

According to the minister, expansion of tourism activities in rural and tribal regions would create both employment and self-employment opportunities, thereby strengthening the rural economy.

Gamit added that agricultural produce, handicrafts, as well as tribal culture and traditions from rural areas would gain wider exposure through tourism, which would in turn support economic growth.

"With the development of tourism, employment and self-employment opportunities in rural and tribal areas will strengthen the rural economy," he said, adding that such measures would help realise the concept of a self-reliant India.

He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been promoting economic growth through tourism development.

Highlighting Gujarat's potential, Gamit noted: "The state's tribal regions, coastline, desert areas and world-class resorts offer significant opportunities for tourism expansion, including destination wedding tourism."

Tourism Department official H.M. Solanki presented details on the contribution of tourism to the state's GDP and outlined opportunities for tourism development in rural and tribal areas, along with its role in employment generation.

The seminar was attended by tour operators, hoteliers and other stakeholders.

Separately, a seminar on "Transforming Chemicals and Petrochemicals in Gujarat" was held as part of the same conference, bringing together industry experts and officials to discuss future opportunities and strategic priorities in the sector.

The state government's Industries Commissioner organised an exchange of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industrialists during the programme.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 125 crore is a good start but we need to ensure the money actually reaches the local villagers and doesn't get stuck in contracts or middlemen. Rural tourism in Gujarat has potential with places like Saputara already popular. Hope they also promote tribal handicrafts and folk dances properly.
A
Arjun K
Good to see focus on wedding tourism too! Ukai can be a unique destination wedding spot with the lake view and tribal backdrop. But they should also think about sustainable practices - no point building resorts that harm the ecosystem. Eco-friendly bamboo cottages would be perfect.
J
James A
Interesting to see Gujarat pushing rural tourism so strongly. Ukai is not that well known internationally - with proper marketing this could attract foreign tourists interested in authentic Indian village experiences. The tribal culture angle is unique. Hope the local communities are involved in planning.
M
Manish T
I've been to Ukai area - beautiful but very underdeveloped. Rs 125 crore is decent but will it be used wisely? We have seen many such announcements before. The key is implementation and transparency. Also, please don't just build concrete hotels - preserve the natural beauty and tribal culture. That's the real attraction. 👍
A
Anjali F
Very happy to see this! Rural tourism can change lives in tribal areas if done right. The minister's vision of connecting agricultural produce and handicrafts with tourism is excellent. Maybe they can also train local youth as guides and homestay managers. This could reduce migration to cities. A self-reliant India starts from villages!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50