Lok Sabha Question No. 4780 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-03-23
Subject: Setting up of Tourist Security Force
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Hema Malini

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.4780 ANSWERED ON 23.03.2020

## SETTING UP OF TOURIST SECURITY FORCE

## 4780. SHRIMATI HEMA MALINI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  it  is  true  that  safety  has  become  a  big  concern  for both domestic and international tourists in India;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  allocated  adequate  budget  to State Tourism  Boards  to  ensure  safety  and  security for tourists;
- (c) whether there is any proposal to set up Tourist Security Force; and
- (d)
- if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (d): Security  of  tourists  is  essentially  a  State  Government subject. However, the Ministry of Tourism is aware that safety and security  are  important  factors  that  can  impact  tourism  to  the country  and  has  taken  various  steps  to  ensure  the  safety  and security of domestic and foreign tourists. The steps taken include the following:

- (i) The Ministry of Tourism has taken up the matter with all State  Governments/Union  Territory  (UT)  Administrations for  setting  up  of  dedicated  Tourism  Police.  With  the efforts of Ministry of Tourism, the State Governments /UT Administrations of Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu  and  Kashmir,  Madhya  Pradesh,  Odisha,  Punjab,
- Rajasthan,  Sikkim  and  Uttar  Pradesh  have  deployed tourist police in one form or the other.
- (ii) States/UTs have also been advised regarding setting up of  effective  systems  for  providing  facilities  for  security around tourist destinations.
- (iii) The Ministry of Tourism has set up a 24x7 Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline on the toll free number 1800111363 or  on  a  short  code  1363  in  12  Languages  including  10 international languages (German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic), Hindi & English for domestic and foreign tourists to provide support service in terms of information relating to Travel in India and  to offer  appropriate guidance to tourists in distress while travelling in India.
- (iv) The  Ministry  of  Tourism  along  with  all  stakeholders, including the Tourism Departments of all States and UTs, have adopted the 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable  Tourism'  which  is  a  set  of  guidelines  to encourage  tourism  activities to be undertaken  with respect  for  basic  right  like  dignity,  safety  and  freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents in particular, women and children.
- (v) The Ministry of Tourism has issued Guidelines on Safety and  Security  of  Tourists  for  State  Governments/Union Territories to stress on the importance of safety and risk management,  assist  in  identifying  best  practices  and encourage  closer  cooperation  for  ensuring  a  pleasant experience to the tourists.
- (vi) The Ministry of Tourism conducts constant dialogue with Ministry of Home Affairs, State Governments/UT Administrations and various tourism related organisations/institutions for development and promotion  of  tourism  in  the  country  including  safe  and honourable Tourism.

********