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Rajasthan's Heritage Call: Why Non-Resident Citizens Seek a New Social Investment Policy

At Pravasi Rajasthani Divas, culturalist Sundeep Bhutoria called for a dedicated Social Investment Policy for Non-Resident Rajasthanis. He argued that NRRs are cultural ambassadors eager to invest in preserving ancestral havelis and supporting community projects. Bhutoria also suggested a Public-Private Partnership model to improve tourist information centers. Furthermore, he highlighted the state's need for a dedicated film studio to capitalize on its popularity as a shooting location.

Key Points: Sundeep Bhutoria Calls for Rajasthan Social Investment Policy for NRRs

  • Appeal made for a policy encouraging NRR contributions to havelis and schools beyond industry
  • Bhutoria highlights NRRs' deep emotional bond with Rajasthan as cultural ambassadors
  • Proposal includes a PPP model to staff currently empty tourism information desks
  • Noted lack of a dedicated film studio hampers post-production despite popular shoots
3 min read

Rajasthan: Citizens seek social investment policy for NRRs

Culturalist Sundeep Bhutoria urges Rajasthan govt to create a Social Investment Policy for Non-Resident Rajasthanis to fund heritage, schools, and tourism.

"We are not the state government's vote bank. We are ambassadors of Rajasthan’s culture, tourism and heritage, no matter where we live. - Sundeep Bhutoria"

Jaipur, Dec 10

Emphasising the need for a framework that recognises the emotional and cultural commitment of Non-Resident Rajasthanis, a call was made for the Rajasthan government to introduce a dedicated Social Investment Policy—one that encourages contributions towards preserving ancestral havelis, supporting schools, hospitals, heritage assets and community initiatives, beyond the scope of industrial investment.

This appeal was made at the Pravasi Rajasthani Divas today by Kolkata-based culturalist, author and social worker, Sundeep Bhutoria. Bhutoria was invited by the Government of Rajasthan as a State Guest to speak in the session “From Roots to Routes: Transforming the NRRs into Tourism Ambassadors.”

He said that NRRs share a deep emotional bond with their homeland, and this connection is what brings them back time and again.

“We are not the state government's vote bank. We are ambassadors of Rajasthan’s culture, tourism and heritage, no matter where we live,” he said, highlighting how traditions like wearing poshaks and safas continue across the globe.

He suggested establishing a Public Private Partnership model with companies, organisations and individuals to operationalise tourism desks and information centres, many of which currently function without personnel.

Commenting on Rajasthan’s rising popularity as a film destination, Bhutoria said that despite the state being one of the world’s most majestic shooting locations, it lacks a dedicated film studio.

While films are shot here, post-production teams still need to travel to cities like Mumbai.

He expressed hope that the New Tourism Policy unveiled today will finally address the long-pending need for a dedicated film studio in Rajasthan.

The event was attended by Minister of Culture, Government of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat; Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Bhajan Lal Sharma; Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister, Diya Kumari; Urban Development & Housing Minister, Government of Rajasthan, Jhabar Singh Kharra; Animal Husbandry Minister, Government of Rajasthan, Joraram Kumawat; Chairman of Rajasthan Heritage Conservation and Promotion Authority, Omkar Singh Lakhawat; Managing Director, India Tourism Development Corporation, Mugdha Sinha and Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Art and Culture, Praveen Gupta.

Bhutoria served as the Secretary of the Kolkata Chapter of Rajasthan Foundation for over 10 years. He has been an active promoter of cultural activities across India as well as in Rajasthan and Jaipur.

He has played a key role in taking Indian art, literature and culture beyond India to Europe, the United States and West Asia.

He is also dedicated to the preservation of Indian folk arts and cultural heritage.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Finally, someone is talking sense. NRRs are not just ATMs for industrial projects. Our emotional connection is with our heritage—the havelis, the stepwells, the local festivals. A policy that taps into this sentiment for social good is long overdue.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has visited Rajasthan multiple times, the lack of proper tourist information centers is very real. The PPP model for tourism desks sounds practical. It could really improve the experience for international visitors like myself.
A
Aman W
The point about the film studio is crucial. Rajasthan gets so much film business, but all the post-production money and jobs go to Mumbai. Why can't we create that ecosystem here? This policy needs to have clear, actionable points, not just talk.
K
Kavitha C
While the intent is good, I hope any such policy ensures transparency. We've seen funds for heritage projects disappear before. There must be a robust, citizen-auditable mechanism so donors can see exactly where their money is going.
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Vikram M
Absolutely right! My father, who worked in Dubai for 30 years, always sent money to maintain our family haveli in Jaipur. A formal policy would have given him tax benefits and more satisfaction that his contribution was part of a larger state effort. Jai Rajasthan!

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