Lok Sabha Question No. 824 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-07-23
Subject: Fleecing of Tourists
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: KIRRON KHER, CHINTAMANI MALVIYA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.824 ANSWERED ON 23.07.2018

## FLEECING OF TOURISTS

824.  SHRIMATI KIRRON KHER: PROF. CHINTAMANI MALVIYA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  complaints  have  been  received  regarding  fleecing, cheating  and  other  crimes  with  both  domestic  and  foreign tourists in the country;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the number of incidents of fleecing, cheating and other crimes reported against domestic and foreign tourists during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;
- (c) the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to ensure safety of both domestic and foreign tourists particularly of women tourists; and
- (d) whether the Government is considering to constitute a special tourist Police force, tourist guides etc. at national level for the safety of tourists and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a) and (b): The 'Public Order' and 'Police' are State subjects as per the Seventh  Schedule  of the Constitution of India. As such, registration of fleecing, cheating and other crimes against tourists, both domestic and foreign, is the primary responsibility of the State Governments/Union  Territories.  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  does  not compile  data  on  crime  against  foreign  and  domestic  tourists  as such. However, any such incident which comes to the knowledge of Ministry  of  Tourism  as  a  part  of  CPGRAM,  is  taken  up  with  the appropriate authority.

- (c)  and  (d):  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  taken  following  steps  in order  to  ensure  safety  and  security  of  tourists,  including  foreign tourists:
- (i) The  'Athithidevo  Bhava'  Social  Awareness  campaigns have been introduced by the Ministry of Tourism with the objective  of  sensitising  stakeholders  and  the  general public about various social awareness themes.
- (ii) An advisory has been posted on the Ministry of Tourism website  www.incredibleindia.org  indicating  that  India remains safe destination for international Tourists including women tourists.
- (iii) The  Stakeholders  have  identified  focal  points  in  their respective organizations to implement the 'Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism'.
- (iv) The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  launched  the  24x7  MultiLingual  Tourist  Info-Helpline  on  the  toll  free  number 1800111363  or  on  a  short  code  1363  in  12  Languages including  10  international  languages  and  in  Hindi  & English in February 2016, for domestic  and  foreign tourists to provide support service in terms of information  relating  to  travel  in  India  and  also  offers appropriate guidance to tourists in distress while travelling in India.
- (v) A Welcome card with "Tips to enjoy your stay" is being handed  over  to  foreign  tourists  on  arrival  to  make  the visit of tourists a memorable experience.
- (vi) The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  issued  the  Guidelines  on Safety and Security of Tourists for State Governments/Union Territories and Tips for travellers in September  2014  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.
- (vii) The Security of tourists  is  a  State  Government  subject, however, the Ministry of Tourism in consultation with the State  Governments/UT  Administrations  had  proposed  to set  up  Tourist  Police  at  prominent  tourist  spots.  The State Governments/UT Administrations of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh,  Rajasthan,  Jammu  &  Kashmir,  Uttar  Pradesh,

Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have deployed Tourist Police, in one form or the other. The Ministry of Tourism has written a letter to the Chief Secretaries of States/UTs  regarding  setting  up  of  'Tourist  Police'  in remaining States on 11 th  July 2018 as tourist safety is of prime importance. (viii)  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  conducts  a  constant  dialogue with State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, various tourism related institutions and stakeholders for drawing up strategies for development and promotion of tourism  in  the  country  including  safe  and  honourable Tourism. (ix) Ministry of Tourism from time to time issues advisory to various  State  Governments  and  UT  Administrations  to ensure safety and security of the tourist.

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