Lok Sabha Question No. 3283 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-01-01
Subject: Attack on Foreign Tourists
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: PONNUSAMY VENUGOPAL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3283

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 01 ST JANUARY, 2019 / PAUSHA 11, 1940 (SAKA) ATTACK ON FOREIGN TOURISTS

3283.

DR. P. VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that incidents of rape, attack and murder of foreign tourists have increased during the last two years;

- (b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether  the  Government  has  asked  all  the  State  Governments  and Union Territory administrations to take appropriate steps in this regard; and

- (d) if so, the details and outcome thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) & (b): As  per  the  latest  information  published  by  National  Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), details of cases registered under rape, murder and crime against foreign tourists (including attacks) during 2015 and 2016 are as below:

| Year   | Cases registered under   | Cases registered under     | Cases registered under                             |
|--------|--------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
|        | Rape of foreign tourists | Murder of foreign tourists | Crime against foreign tourists (including attacks) |
| 2015   | 7                        | 4                          | 271                                                |
| 2016   | 14                       | 6                          | 284                                                |

(c) & (d): Following steps have been taken to ensure safety and security of tourists:

- i) The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  launched  the  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 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.
2. ii) The Ministry of Tourism has issued the Guidelines on Safety and Security of Tourists for State Governments/Union Territories and Tips for Travelers 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.
3. iii) The security of tourists is a State Government subject. However, with  efforts  of  Ministry  of  Tourism,  several  State  Governments/ UT Administrations have deployed Tourist Police, in one form or the other.
4. iv) The Ministry of Tourism conducts a constant dialogue with State Governments/Union   Territory   Administrations,   various

## LS.US.Q.NO. 3283 FOR 01.01.2019

tourism related institutions and stakeholders for drawing up strategies for development and promotion of tourism in the country including safe and honourable Tourism.

- v) The  Ministry  of  Tourism  is  running  a  Social  Awareness  campaign  on television to sensitize masses and stakeholders on the traditional Indian values and  the concept  'AtithiDevo Bhava.' The  campaign  inter-alia includes a commercial on sensitizing against misbehavior with tourists.
2. vi) The stake holders have identified focal points in their respective organizations to implement the 'Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism'.
3. vii) The 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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