CM Sarbananda Sonowal attends Tourism Conclave 2020

GUWAHATI: In a move to infuse freshness in the COVID-19 hit tourism industry of Assam, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced 'Paryatan Sanjeevani Scheme', a scheme under which loan, amounting from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh would be given to an interested entrepreneur.

Announcing this at a tourism conclave organised by government of Assam in association with Assam Tourism Development Corporation Limited at Assam Administrative Staff College here on Friday, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the scheme has been conceived of to lend empowerment to the entrepreneurs associated with tourism of the state so that the sector gets a fresh lease of life amid COVID-19 pandemic.

It may be noted that as a part of the scheme loan would be given for a period of five years and a moratorium period of one year would be given to the loanee. The first year's interest of the loan amount would be paid by the government.

On the other hand, Sonowal also inaugurated another scheme named 'Paryatan Sarathi' which will be a preloaded programme with all information about Assam tourism, facilities for booking, tour packages, hotel, sight seeing etc along with on-line payment gateway for tourism business.

Speaking on the COVID 19 pandemic which has had its cascading effect on the lives and economy of the state, Sonowal said that for overcoming the onslaught of the pandemic, one needs to venture into his or her endeavour with wisdom and experience. He also said that in spite of the challenges posed by COVID 19 pandemic, collective efforts are required to bail out the tourism industry. He also stressed on making tourism sector thriving on all seasons of the year, development of tourism based on bamboo and highlighting the teachings of the great men of the state among the tourists to emphasise the potential of heritage and spiritual tourism of the state.

Welcome speech of the conclave was given by the Secretary Tourism Department Rajvi Hussain. Tourism Minister Chandan Brahma, Chairman ATDC Jayanta Malla Baruah, Vice Chairman Nabadeep Kalita, Commissioner and Secretary Tourism Dr. M. Angamuthu also spoke on the occasion.

Synchronising with the programme, awards and commendations were presented to the winners participated in competitions held on Awesome Assam. Several stakeholders associated with Tourism, Forest, Archaeology departments were also present on the occasion.

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