In an important decision, the State Government has decided to give status of Industry to many activities associated with tourism. The decision would help the entrepreneurs interested to set up resorts, Ayurveda, Yoga and Panchkarma centres, bungee jumping, joy riding, surfing, camping and rafting as they would be eligible for benefits under the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) policy. The State cabinet took this decision in its meeting held at Tehri lake on Wednesday.
Informing about the decisions of the State cabinet, the Government spokesperson, Madan Kaushik said 22 activities associated with tourism would be included in the MSME policy similarly 11 activities like kayaking, terrain biking, angling, star gazing and bird watching have been included in Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali self employment scheme. He added that the objective of the State Government is to provide employment opportunities in tourism sector. In another decision the cabinet cleared proposal to develop 13 new tourist destinations in 13 districts of the State. Under the plan Katarmal in Almora, Mukteshwar in Nainital, Satpuli- Kherasain in Pauri, Gairsain- Bharadisain in Chamoli, lakhamandal in Dehradun, 52 Shaktipeeth Theme Park in Haridwar, Har ki Doon- Mori in Uttarkashi, Tehri lake in Tehri, Chirbitiya in Rudraprayag, Gulerbhoj in Udham Singh Nagar, Devidhura in Champawat, Garud Valley in Bageshwar and Mosta -Manu in Pithoragarh would be developed into new tourism destination. In another decision the cabinet decided to create a fund of Rs 50 lakh under Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya social security scheme to help divorcees, single women and eunuchs. Under the scheme a loan of Rs 1lakh on an interest rate of 1 percent would be provided.
The cabinet also decide to take over the operation of Swami Madhavashram Trust hospital in Bela Koteshwar of Rudraprayag district.
The cabinet on the day also decided to increase the number of posts in the Uttarakhand Medical Council from seven to 15. To prevent misuse of Mentha species, the cabinet cleared the proposal to remove it from the list of items given exemption from Mandi fee.