MARCH 3: Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the CAPEX Budget 2024-25 for the Tourism Department, focusing on the effective utilization of funds, expeditious project execution, and the enhancement of the visitor experience. The meeting also assessed the performance and functioning of the Tourism Development Authorities (TDAs) in boosting tourism in the region.
The session was attended by key officials including the Administrative Secretary of PWD (R&B), Managing Director of JKTDC, Director Tourism Kashmir, Director Tourism Jammu, CEOs of various TDAs, Chief Engineers of PWD (R&B), Director Planning of the Tourism Department, and all Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers of PWD (R&B). Together, they discussed ongoing tourism projects, infrastructural enhancements, and strategies to improve the operational efficiency of TDAs.
During the deliberations, Yasha Mudgal emphasized the importance of optimizing the allocated funds to ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects. She directed the executing agencies to ensure that all projects scheduled for the current financial year are completed without delay, underscoring that financial resources should be used effectively to achieve desired results.
The Commissioner Secretary also stressed the significance of streamlining administrative processes and accelerating project execution. She called for enhanced quality service delivery to improve the tourist experience, urging authorities to adopt a proactive approach toward promoting sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. Mudgal also highlighted the need to leverage digital platforms for wider outreach and foster public-private partnerships to drive infrastructural development in the tourism sector.
In reviewing the CAPEX Budget allocation for TDAs, she called for transparent financial planning and strict adherence to project deadlines. She directed officials to prioritize projects with a high impact potential—those that could significantly boost tourism revenue and create employment opportunities. Ensuring that funds are utilized promptly and that projects are executed on schedule will maximize the benefits from the tourism sector’s investments.
Additionally, Yasha Mudgal emphasized the need for inter-departmental coordination to resolve bottlenecks, expedite approvals, and ensure smooth project implementation. She instructed the officials to set up a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure accountability and efficiency in executing tourism-related initiatives. This proactive approach, Mudgal noted, is vital for the sustainable growth and development of the tourism industry in Jammu and Kashmir.
This review reflects the government’s commitment to transforming the tourism sector and enhancing the overall visitor experience while supporting economic growth in the region.
