SRINAGAR: Secretary, Tourism Department, Sarmad Hafeez today chaired a meeting to review the physical and financial progress of the department as well as preparation of revised budget estimates for the FY 2022-23 at the Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by Managing Director, JKTDC, Minga Sherpa; Director Tourism Jammu, Executive Director, Mubarakh Mandi, Secretary, Royal Springs Golf Course, Director, SKICC, Director Finance, Tourism department, Chief Executive Officers of all Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) of J&K, senior officers of the tourism department and other concerned officials.
Chairing the meeting, the Secretary emphasized to the officers of all agencies that allotted funds should be utilized to their optimum level and regular reports should be submitted on utilization of funds. He asked the officers that revised estimates should be prepared in consultation with line agencies.
Highlighting the need for effective utilization of the assets of the department, Sarmad Hafeez impressed upon the officers that the assets of the department should be utilized to their full potential besides the maintenance of these assets should also be done on a timely basis. The Secretary further asked the officers that the manpower should also be outsourced to manage the assets having a shortfall of human resources.
While highlighting different initiatives of Administration, the Secretary delved upon the officers to facilitate the aspiring youth for establishing homestay clusters as well as other infrastructure so that they are made self-employed. He asked the Tourism department to organize camps for the registration of youth under the Home Stay scheme as it will create employability avenues for them.
While reviewing the facilities at tourist places, Sarmad Hafeez impressed upon the officers to establish all kinds of modern facilities at the tourist places besides the Golf Courses at Jammu and Kashmir should be maintained as per international standards so that maximum players are attracted to play at these places. He also asked Executive Director Mubarakh Mandi to organise events of cultural significance as well as Heritage walks at the heritage building so that maximum people are made aware of the culture and values of this place.
The Secretary during the meeting also emphasized upon the CEOs of Tourism Development Authorities to keep the component of Emergency stabilization in their revised budget estimates so that any kind of exigency in view of adverse weather is timely dealt with.
During the meeting, the CEOs of each Tourism Development Authorities and officers of other agencies gave a detailed report on the functioning and performance of their agencies.
