Jammu, Apr 01: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the government will adopt a Rajasthan-style behavioural training model for tourism stakeholders to improve the experience of holidaymakers visiting the Union Territory.

In reply to questions by Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz Lone and National Conference (NC) MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the chief minister said that clean tourist destinations are vital to ensuring visitors return.

Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, said that while harassment of tourists is not widespread, even a single incident is unacceptable as it damages the overall tourist experience.

“The government is working on a program inspired by a successful initiative in Rajasthan, where behavioral science-based training — developed in collaboration with IIT — was used to improve the conduct of tourism stakeholders. We want to ensure that such negative tendencies (harassment of tourists) do not grow, and that we provide a better experience to tourists so they return happily,” he said.

The chief minister said that no major incidents of tourist harassment or decline in tourist inflow due to overcharging or poor service behaviour have been reported, though isolated complaints have been addressed as per rules.

From January 2025 till date, 508 complaints have been received, of which 413 have been disposed of, he said.

Citing examples, he pointed out that tourists are sometimes forced into uncomfortable situations. In some places, visitors are made to rent heavy winter clothing like long coats and boots even in high temperatures, leaving them uncomfortable.

In other instances, tourists are aggressively approached by service providers — such as pony operators — who insist they use their services, even when unnecessary, Abdullah said, also highlighting cases of overcharging and coercion, where tourists are quoted one price on display boards but later asked to pay more.

He said that training and capacity-building programmes are regularly conducted for tourism stakeholders, including hotel staff, guides, Shikara operators, taxi drivers, and vendors. These programmes cover hospitality etiquette, housekeeping, guiding, food and beverage services, first aid, CPR, safety, rescue, and responsible tourism practices.

“A proposal for mandatory certification of stakeholders is currently under consideration,” he said.

However, the chief minister emphasised that addressing these issues is not solely the government’s responsibility. Elected representatives from tourist areas like Sonamarg, Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and others must work alongside the government, along with all stakeholders in the tourism sector.

On sanitation, the chief minister stressed that maintaining cleanliness at tourist destinations is critical, as poor hygiene discourages repeat visits.

He said creating employment opportunities for youth through the tourism sector remains a priority, but quality will not be compromised.

Abdullah clarified that applications pending in Gulmarg hill resort have not been delayed due to procedural lapses, but because the number of existing permits is sufficient in view of the current tourist inflow.

The chief minister said it aims to ensure that permits are not concentrated in the hands of a single individual or family. “It has often been observed that one person secures multiple permits across activities — such as pony rides, ATVs, and guiding services — resulting in limited distribution of income.

“Efforts are underway to rationalise the system so that more families can benefit and employment opportunities are spread more widely. For instance, while some individuals earn during the summer through pony services, others can generate income in winter through sledging and ski guiding,” he said.

He said that as tourist arrivals in Gulmarg increase, the number of registrations and permits will also be expanded accordingly.

Jammu, Apr 01: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday assured the House that casual labourers and daily wagers in Jammu and Kashmir will be regularised in a phased manner within the financial year.

Responding to a bill introduced by MLA M Y Tarigami seeking regularisation of services of casual and other workers, the Chief Minister said the government has already committed to address the long-pending issue.

He said the process will be carried out in phases and reiterated that the assurance had been placed on record in the House earlier as well.

“It is the first day of the financial year and I have committed that within this financial year they will be regularised in a phased manner,” he said.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by members and said the government recognises the contribution and efforts of workers engaged on casual and daily wage basis.

He informed the House that the government is awaiting recommendations from a designated committee examining the issue, adding that the regularisation process will be implemented once the committee submits its report. —(KNO)

Srinagar, Apr 1: The government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday allowed the introduction of a private member’s bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly seeking renewal of leases for existing occupants, a move seen as challenging the Centre’s 2022 land grant rules.

The bill was moved by National Conference (NC) MLA Tanvir Sadiq and was permitted after Abdullah, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, said he would not oppose its introduction.

This is the first time since the NC assumed office that the treasury benches did not object to a private member’s bill at the stage of introduction.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather put the motion to a voice vote, which was cleared with support from NC members, while the opposition did not press for a division.

The proposed legislation seeks to counter the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants Rules, 2022, which provide that certain expired leases, particularly in the tourism sector, will not be renewed and must instead be auctioned at market rates.

The issue has gained significance in view of expiring leases of several hotel owners in Gulmarg, a major tourist destination in north Kashmir.

If passed, the bill would enable renewal of leases for existing occupants instead of mandating fresh auctions, indicating the government’s position on land-related matters that have seen differences between the Union Territory administration and the elected government.(KNS)

Srinagar, Apr 01: Scores of employees working under the National Health Mission in Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday held a protest demonstration and called for a 48-hour sit-in to press for their long-pending demands.

The protestors reiterated their demands, including immediate pay revision in line with other states, secure job policy and implementation of social security benefits such as EPF, ESI, insurance and post-retirement support.

They said that despite repeated assurances from the administration, no concrete progress has been made, forcing them to take to the streets.

“NHM employees have been at the forefront of healthcare delivery, particularly during emergencies, but continue to face uncertainty over wages and job security,” they said.

The protesting employees warned that failure to address their concerns may lead to an escalation of protests in the coming days, even as the ongoing sit-in is scheduled to continue for 48 hours.

As already reported, the association had announced a 48-hour sit-in from today across Jammu and Kashmir to press for their long-pending demands—(KNO)