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VOL. XLVI NO.: 04 February 2017 64 Pages `80 ISSN 2456 - 2457

Special Feature DECCAN ODYSSEY “Infra-”  February 2017 Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest

MEDC Governing Board From the Presidents.... MEDC President : ven as we go to the press on this January 31st Cdr. Dipak Naik - President CE2 evening, everyone is looking forward to the Naik Environment Research Institute E national budget on 1st February 2017. We in MEDC Ltd. (NERIL) are doing our bit by organising a pre-budget and post budget discussion at the YB Chavan centre. MEDC Vice Presidents Eminent personalities, economists and experienced ‡ Cdr. Anil Save - Mg. Director industry leaders are invited for this discussion which Atra Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. will be telecast live on the Marathi channel ABP ‡ Mrs. Meenal Mohadikar - CE2 MAZA. Normally in the post GST implementation Anand Trade Development ere people have a luke warm reaction to this Service major event. Not this time. The economy in has undergone a sea change in the last three months due to ‡ Mr. Ravi Boratkar -Jt. Mg. Director demonetisation. MEDC had brought out a full issue on the subject MM Activ Sci-Tech of demonetisation. The next big step of the government tomobilise the Coomunications economy is eagerly awaited. MEDC Immediate Past-Presidents : In much the same manner at the global level another major event is the change ‡ Dr. Vithal V. Kamat - Chairman of guard in 8SA. President Donald Trump has walked the talk on his Àrst The Kamat Group of day in ofÀce by pulling out of the Trance PaciÀc Partnership. This puts the ‡ Mr. Nandkishor Kagliwal - Chairman very existence of this treaty in jeopardy. Similarly President Trump’s second Nath Group major electoral promise of “America First” spells trouble for all the H1B visa holders and aspirants alike. The US centre for immigration studies has Special Invitee : estimated that the number of H1B visa holders are 6, 50,000. Different studies ‡ Mr. Chandrakant Sadadekar- indicate different Àgures ranging from 6, 50,000 to 15 Million visa holders. The Chairman mere announcement saw the leading IT Company’s stocks going southwards. Sadadekar Global Group However we see an opportunity in this adversity. The Indian trade will now ‡ Mr. Anil Gachke - Chairman have a more even playing ground in the PaciÀc 2cean rim nations as well as MEDC Industries Committee for exports to US. This may be a new opportunity for many and especially for our traditional strong points like textile. Similarly serious curbs on H1B may bring the much needed ‘original research’ capability within the Indian shores. It reminds us of the famous action of stoppage of P/ 0 in 171. 2ur green revolution was rooted in that threat of denial which made us self-reliant. In much the same manner we believe that in this passing adversity lies the seed of a much b righter future for the Indian IT industry. This changing world economic order when seen in the light of resurgent India’s new found conÀdence, cleanliness and ease of doing business make for a very optimistic view of the future.

This issue of the Economic Digest is about the “Infrastructure for Tourism”. As is well known tourism is an industry with huge economic and employment generation potential. Somehow we in Maharashtra need to have a relook at the status of infrastructure for tourism. We have a long coast line of over 720 Kms, Excellent forests including tiger reserves, over 350 forts and other places of interest and the famed Lonar crater besides world heritage sites like Ajanta and Ellora.. Much can be made of this heritage and natural bounty. MEDC has closely been working with the MTDC and the department of Tourism to make some of these destinations in to world class smart localities in order to provide safe, convenient pleasurable and hygienic tourism for all classes of domestic and foreign tourists. This issue therefore draws your attention to the ‘Infra-Tourism’ Do read on

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Contents VOL. XLVI NO.: 04 February 2017 VOL. XLVI NO.: 04 February 2017 64 Pages `80 ISSN 2456 - 2457 FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK 03

Special Feature DECCAN ODYSSEY SPECIAL FEATURE ‡ The Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train 06 “Infra-Tourism” - MEDC Research Team & Ashutosh Joshi, MTDC COVER STORY ‡ Tourism Infrastructure in Maharashtra on course but distant from realizing its true potential 09 - Ms. Kiran Nanda ‡ Development of Tourism Infrastructure in Maharashtra 14 - Prof. Vibhuti Patel, Head, Economics Department, SNDT Women’s University, ‡ Tourism and its contribution to the Economy 19 - Mr. B S Rathor, Advisor & Member Executive Committee ‡ Skill Development - Essential to a Successful and Robust Tourism Sector Growth through Secured Governance 22 - Mr. Mukund Gupta, Research Scholar in Smart City Development ‡ Unleashing Tourism Development to Economic Growth through MEDC Economic Digest Editorial Board Secured Governance 24 - Dr. P. Sekhar Interim Chairman ‡ Infrastructure Development for Tourism 27 Cdr. Dipak Naik - Ms. Preeti Sinha, Senior President and Global Convener, ‡ Tourism Infrastructure in Maharashtra 30 Editorial Advisor : - Ms. Ananya Prem Nath Dr. Prakash Hebalkar, President, ProÀTech ‡ Sustainable Smart City through Secured Governance 33 Mr. Ravi Buddhiraja, IAS (Retd.) - Mr. Jimmy Delshad, Former Mayor of Beverly Hills, California, USA Dr. Minu Mehta, Prof. IES-MR TOURISM EXPERIENCE Dr. B.N. Lad, Director (R T), MEDC ‡ Dr. Anjali Deshpande Experience 35 MEDC Response : ‡ Tourism Experience 36 - Mr. Naveen & Mr. Mangesh Ms. Sonali Jakatdar - Gen. Manager ‡ Tourism Infrastructure 38 Mr. Suresh Ghorpade - Dy.Gen. Manager - Dr. Bhushan Jadhav, Chairman: International Youth Welfare Committee Ms. Ananya Prem Nath - Manager - R D GOBAL TRADE Address : ‡ Global Trade and Investment Trends 41 MEDC Research Centre, 3rd Áoor, - Dr. Prakash Hebalkar Y.B. Chavan Centre, , MAHA PARIYATAN - 400 021 ‡ Infrastructure in Maharashtra 43 Tel.  224 22060 Fax  224 62 - MTDC Email  medc#medcindia.com ‡ Tourism Infrastructure for Maharashtra’s Economic Development 46 - Mr. G Joe www.medcindia.com ‡ Forts of Maharashtra 48 - Mr. Prasad Tare EMPOWERING MAHARASHTRA ‡ MMRDA – Providing commuting solutions Mumbai is unique, deserves à la treatment 50 - Mr Dilip Kawathkar, Dy. Metropolitan Commissioner & Joint Project Director PR),MMRDA MAHA FACTS & FIGURES ‡ Maharashtra’s Comparison With India 52 WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ‡ We can… We did ….We start again.... 56 ‡ “Together Everyone Achieves More”! 58 NEWS IN MEDC ‡ MEDC Meetings with Government OfÀcials 59 ‡ Vendor Development Programme For Mses And Startups 60  February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Special Feature

The Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train Travel MEDC Research Team & Ashutosh Joshi, MTDC

Manufacturer Indian Railways “Welcome to luxury train travel in India! Sail into an age of romance and Built at Integral Coach Factory, Chennai royalty; discover the soul of this incredible country. From world heritage sites, Family name Luxury Trains forts and palaces to an array of cultural experiences crafted exclusively for you. Constructed 2003 6 great rail journeys in India on board the Deccan Odyssey and rediscover the Entered service 2004 Operator(s) Indian Railways and art of elegant train traveling.” Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Depot(s) Mumbai

History fter noticing the success of APalace on Wheels, the Maharashtra state decided to have such a train, in order to develop the tourism industry in the state and surrounding regions. This resulted in Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) along with Indian Railway started the project. On 17 January 2004, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee ÁDJJHG off the train with remote control from the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai at 5.30 pm. The ceremonial inaugural run took from Chhatrapati Terminus (CST) railway station to and back. The train kicked off its maiden commercial journey on 4 February 2004. At that time MTDC has appointed the Taj JURXSRI +RWHOV to manage the food and beverage and housekeeping on the luxury train. The train had 36 Taj staffers on board.

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Special Feature Facilities 2. INDIAN ODYSSEY The Deccan Odyssey offers accommodation in 40 deluxe cabins in 10 coaches. JOURNEY It also has 4 presidential suites in 2 cars, 1 Conference car with business center, Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days 2 , a well stocked bar and a spa with steam, massage, a mini gym and Destinations Covered : Delhi - a parlor. Other facilities include a library, 6 Channels DVD for your viewing Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore pleasure at the lounges and 6 Channels of Music in each cabin. National Park - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur - Vadodara - - Accommodation - Mumbai 10 fully air-conditioned Deluxe Cabin saloons, each with combination of 4 twin bedded chambers and 2 fully air-conditioned Presidential Suite saloons While the Ranthambore National each with 2 suites with combination of living room & bed room. Saloons are Park will thrill you, the Taj Mahal will equipped with channel music, intercom, and player, attached toilets, running soothe your senses. On one hand the hot and cold water, shower, wall-to-wall carpeting and other amenities. streets of Udaipur and Jaipur will Àll your sight with hues, and then the FARES: rusty rugged landscape of Ellora DECCAN ODYSSEY TARIFF 2017 - 2018 Caves would pick your collar-backs (FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS ONLY ) and slowly land you on the land of history. That is just a glimpse of all Room Type Single Twin / Double 02 Children that Indian Odyssey holds for you. Occupancy Occupancy (in a separate Cabin) Deccan Odyssey with its luxurious amenities and gracious services is Deluxe Cabin USD 5,810 USD 8,386 USD 6,290 reminiscent of the lifestyle lived by Presidential Suite USD 12,579 USD 12,579 USD 6,290 the maharajas in the erstwhile era. Booking Policy The booking policies for the Deccan Odyssey: ‡ You are required to pay 20 of ticket value at the time of booking conÀrmation. ‡ Rest 80 of the ticket value is to be paid 45 days before departure.

1. MAHARASHTRA SPLENDOR JOURNEY Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days Destinations Covered : Mumbai – - Ellora Caves - 3. JEWELS OF THE - - - Sindhudurg – Mumbai DECCAN JOURNEY Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days One of the leading luxury trains, Deccan Odyssey is all set to take you on an 8-day royal journey through the most beautiful destinations of India. The Destinations Covered : Mumbai itinerary includes visit to the Wine capital of India- Nashik, colorful Kolhapur, - - and - India’s party capital- Goa, Aurangabad and known for housing Hampi - Hyderabad - Ellora Caves - UNESCO World Heritage Sites Ajanta & Ellora Caves and the holy Ajanta Caves - Mumbai city of . Get ready to travel through the most colorful side of India in a royal passage. Deccan Odyssey is all set to take you through the real jewels of India. With Jewels of Deccan, get ready to explore the true beauty of India, that lies in its popular tourist destinations. Visit the historic monuments at ROUTE MAP Bijapur, seek blessings at holy shrines (MAHARASHTRA) of Aihole and Pattadakal, enjoy sightseeing at , have a look at the architectural marvels of Hampi, shop for bangles and ittars in

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Special Feature Hyderabad and visit UNESCO World 5. HIDDEN Deccan Odyssey, one of the leading Heritage Sites- Ajanta and Ellora TREASURES OF luxury trains of India, offers a Caves. Get an insight of India’s well-planned itinerary Indian glorious history and rich culture with GUJARAT JOURNEY Soujourn, offering a memorable this royal journey. Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days journey for a span of 8 days. The Destinations Covered : Mumbai journey offers you a chance to - Vadodara - Palitana - Sasan Gir & explore some of the best Somnath- Little Rann of Kutch - destinations of northern and western Modhera & Patan - Nashik – Mumbai India including Vadodara, Udaipur, The 8 day Hidden treasures of Agra, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Delhi Gujarat tour is meant to explore the and Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore). spectacular vistas of this vibrant Some of the highlights of the tour land in one of India’s most include a rendezvous with the big luxurious trains, the Deccan Odyssey. cats, a visit to the celebrated Taj On the royal journey, we wish to take Mahal, exploring historical 4. MAHARASHTRA you across the spell binding desti- architectural gems, a boat ride in WILD TRAIL JOURNEY nations of Gujarat that include the the placid waters of Lake Pichola Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days medieval capital of Vadodra, the holy etc. Enjoy a grand welcome, indulge Destinations Covered : Mumbai city of Nashik, the wild sojourn of in world-class comforts aboard the – Aurangabad – Pench (Ramtek) – the Little Rann and pilgrim spots of Deccan Odyssey, relish sumptuous Tadoba – Ajanta – Nashik - Mumbai Palitana. food, and admire the impeccable One of the Ànest luxury trains of royal interiors of the train and more. India, Deccan Odyssey, offers a well-planned itinerary of 8 days that takes you to the neighborhoods of Maharashtra, the charming , the majestic Deccan region and the varied stretch of the central region of India. Some of the highlights of the tour include a visit to the world heritage sites of Ajanta 6. INDIAN SOJOURN and Ellora caves, a visit to the wine capital of India-Nashik, a rendezvous JOURNEY with the wildlife at Pench and Duration : 7 Nights / 8 Days MEDC Research Team & Tadoba and more. During the tour, Destinations Covered : Mumbai enjoy world-class comforts, a royal – Vadodara – Udaipur – Ashutosh Joshi, MTDC treatment and sumptuous food Jodhpur – Agra – Sawai Madhopur while you are on-board the Deccan (Ranthambore) – Jaipur – Delhi Odyssey.

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story Tourism Infrastructure in Maharashtra on course but distant from realizing its true potential By Kiran Nanda

ourism today is one of the major average of 50 jobs get generated second-most populous sub-national Tsectors in global commerce. It per $1 mn in sales. Expenditure by state (112 mn people). Mumbai, its contributes nearly 9% of the world domestic & foreign visitors carries capital, is among the world’s largest GDP – through direct, indirect and a cascading impact via its multiplier and most vibrant cities in the induced impact. It accounts for $1.6 effect throughout the economy. world. It is also the Ànancial and trn. Of world exports - 6% of the Multiplier is estimated at 3.2 implying entertainment capital of the country. world exports. Viewing the global that for every dollar spent on tourism, is Maharashtra’s second travel scenario, almost 30-40% of additional $3.2 gets generated. capital, which also is its winter capital. population in the US and Europe leisure travel every year, around 8%in January 25th is marked as the Tourism being regional, Maharashtra China whereas in India this number India’s National Tourism Day to is creating its own special packages to is less than 1%. This depicts the create awareness about signiÀcance sell its advantages as tourism. Among huge growth potential of the Indian of tourism for the economy. states it tops in foreign tourist arrivals market. (20.8%) and is counted among leading Coming to Maharashtra, it has lately states for domestic tourists (7.2%). Currently Indian tourism has a become alive to the need for boosting Offers a variety of destinations for its share of 6.7% in its GDP, which is tourism. Tourism can become a tourists-- business, cultural, historical, increasing. It is roughly $120 bn powerful growth engine for the geographical and religious etc. Industry, employs 37 mn people and Maharashtra economy only within Ancient and medieval Maharashtra by 2020 is stated to become bigger efÀcient tourism infrastructure in place. included the empires of the than the IT industry. Judged in terms Tourism & Tourism Infrastructure Satavahana dynasty, Rashtrakuta of any parameter like by type, by coverage is vast and growing. It dynasty, Western Chalukyas, Mughals purpose of visit, by tourist proÀle, encompasses both soft as well as and Marathas. It has several popular by average duration of stay, by mode physical infrastructure and contains Hindu places of such as of travel, competition forecast and a variety of facilities like medical & Pandharpur, Dehu, , Hazur emerging opportunities, the travel & ; adventure tourism; Sahib Gurudwara at , tourism sector is expected to grow at leisure &recreational tourism, beach Sai Baba shrine at and a compound rate of over 7% during tourism, Gandhian tourism, rural Dikshabhumi at Nagpur. The state’s 2016-2021. Basis is raising foreign tourism, religious tourism, wine rich history, tradition and cultures tourist footfall, robust infrastructural tourism and recently added mines evident in its ancient forts, developments, increasing recreational tourism. All these require soft monuments and cave temples. Ajanta tourism, growing efforts by the infrastructure which includes mainly Caves in Aurangabad district of Centre as well as states at promoting governance aspects especially Maharashtra state of India are tourism including collaborative observance of just in time principle, about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave tourism and diversiÀed service least wastages, quality & suitable monuments which date from the 2nd offerings by pro-active companies. skills, best management norms and century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE. With conceptualization of the iconic experience of a healthy swatch life. Ellora caves in Maharashtra are about ‘Incredible India campaign’, the 29 kilometres (18 miles) northwest tourism scenario received Current State - Maharashtra from the city of Aurangabad, 300 tremendous boost. Tourism kilometres (190 miles) east-northeast Maharashtra is a nation within a from Mumbai, and about 100 Tourism sector’s employment Nation-- the third largest state - in kilometres (62 miles) west from generation capability is terms of population and area - in Ajanta Caves. Maharashtra’s enormous- roughly said that an the country. It is also the world’s incredible historical and cultural sites

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

merit world heritage status. Besides, Highlights of the 2016 Policy: ‡ For creating 1 million additional it is blessed with a long coastline of 1 . D e s i g n a t e T o u r i s m a s a jobs in the tourism sector 720 kilometers along the lush green priority sector to usher in economic 1. Increased focus on Mega and region. Western Ghats development and generate high MSME tourism units. and Sahyadri mountain range with employment opportunities in 2. Offer additional incentives to attractive hill stations and water Maharashtra. employment-intensive Mega units. reservoirs. region of 2. Create 1 mn additional jobs in the 3. Leverage state and central skill Maharashtra and its dense forests tourism sector by 2025 development schemes. house several wild life sanctuaries 3. Achieve tourism sector growth of 4. Consider Agro & Rural, Adventure and nature parks. Aurangabad, the 10% per annum and share of 15% in sports, events based tourism activities second most urbanized state in India, is GSDP through tourism and tourism etc. as a thrust sector. considered the tourism capital of related activities. 5. Promotion of tourism as an Maharashtra. Maharashtra’s urban 4. Generate fresh investments in the attractive sector for employment. centers include Mumbai, , tourism sector to the tune of INR Nashik, Aurangabad, Nanded and 30,000 crore by 2025. ‡ Institutional & Governance Nagpur. 5. Incentivize tourism units in the Mechanism state by linking it to the Package A three-tier institutional & Maharashtra has ambitious plans Scheme of Incentives, 2013 of Governance mechanism will be to boost tourism as evident from I n d u s t r i e s , E n e r g y a n d L a b o u r created through- its 2016 Tourism Policy. Mumbai is Department or any modiÀcations 1. High Powered committee under the only metro in the world that has thereafter. Incentives under this pol- the Chief Secretary for approval wildlife, seashore, mangroves and icy are designed as per the needs of of the Mega Projects and for status migratory birds. Major industries the tourism sector in the state. review of the tourism strategy include chemical products, electrical 6. Key strategic interventions are 2. A steering committee under and non-electrical machinery, textiles, identiÀed and special incentives for the chairmanship of the Principal petroleum and allied products. respective intervention have been laid Secretary (Tourism) for the Maharashtra is the wealthiest and one out. implementation of the Maharashtra of the most developed state in India, 7. Importantly, strengthening of tourism policy – 2016 and facilitating contributing 25% of the country’s tourism infrastructure especially investments in the state. The industrial output and 23.2% of its in the form of PPP model, special Principal Secretary (Tourism) will GDP. The 2016 Budget provided tourism infrastructure Tourism also supervise the single window support to the tourism industry when Infrastructure development fund, clearance for the tourism got 70% rise in budget to CSR, etc. are deÀned in this policy. and live events in Maharashtra and focus on infrastructure development 8. Adequate attention paid to Events and Exhibitions Board will be and promotion and publicity I m p l e m e n t a t i o n P l a n a n d created to facilitate events and initiatives. Institutional & Governance Mecha- promote MICE in the state. nism. 3. A District Tourism Promotion Growing signiÀcance of technology Committee (DTPC) to be formed in tourism industry is visible. Despite Maharashtra’s Tourism Strategy government going all out to promote ‡ For achieving sartorial growth ‡ Development of Special India becoming a digital economy, of 10% p.a. and share of 15% in Tourism Districts/Zones the country and the state lack proper GSDP 1. The districts of Nagpur, infrastructure that can usher an 1. Encouraging Mega Project Aurangabad and Sindhudurg will be efÀcient digital economy. investments especially in less earmarked as special tourism districts. developed tourism zones with high 2. In addition, the state will notify Maharashtra’s Tourism Policy potential other special tourism zones/estates Most visionary states including 2. Monetization of existing land bank as when required. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, with MTDC 3. These regions will be given Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala 3. Improving tourism infrastructure additional incentives and incentive have become aggressive in promoting throughout the state by various period. tourism. This has led to competition concerned departments; 4. In addition, special marketing among states. Maharashtra has 4. Investor facilitation and ease of assistance will be given to them to formulated a well formulated ‘The doing business. promote them as major tourism Tourism Policy of Maharashtra -2016’. destinations of the state.

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story

‡ 'HYHORSPHQW RI  7RXULVP around forts by introducing tourist d) Infrastructure development is JURZWKFRUULGRUV amenities like tents and hotels. The a pre-requisite for providing the 1. Classify the state into separate state also plans to develop Konkan much-needed impetus for the tourist cities, tourist clusters and coast on the lines of amenities and industry’s growth. Additional tourist corridors which will be tourist facilities as developed in other incentives should be provided for promoted through identiÀed themes. coastal regions like Goa and Kerala. infrastructure investments in the 2. Employ a pilot project along a Wellness centres in Lonavla and travel and tourism sector. A lower tax major highway and on its successful are in order. A boating rate for hospitality business and the returns, replicate the process along competition in Mumbai on the lines lower rate of interest for real-estate Àve major highways in the state. of ‘Boat Grand Prix’ is planned. development can ensure opening up of nascent branded budget ‡ 3XEOLF 3ULYDWH 3DUWQHUVKLS 9LHZV&RPPHQWV hospitality sector. 0RGHO IRU JURZWK LQ 7RXULVP a) BeneÀcial economic beneÀts of 6HFWRU tourism include -- e) Today, the tourism sector offers far 1. The Department of Tourism, 1. Contribution to GDP more diversiÀed services than ever Government of Maharashtra will 2. Generation of foreign exchange before. It has become imperative to Identify and develop shelf of 3. Creation of new job and incorporate all such services in the projects and undertake these projects employment opportunities mainstream industry. through the PPP/JV mode. 4. Stimulation of trade, income and ‡ )LYH VWHS DSSURDFK IRU entrepreneurship – especially in the f) Indian tourism in comparison to PDUNHWLQJDQGSURPRWLRQ service and SME sectors well-known tourism centers of the 1. Develop an integrated 360 degree 5. Building of new infrastructure for world suffers from poor governance marketing plan. non-tourism use of facilities, which are not only 2. Participation in international road 6. Inclusive regional development – inefÀcient, but also unreliable and shows/ fairs/ G2B meetings etc. particularly in undeveloped isolated least cost effective. 3. Develop a world class website for areas Maharashtra tourism. 7. Greater tax revenues resulting g) Lessons from other states’ or 4. Develop brand equity of the state in more government spending or foreign tourism through theme based tourism. reduced taxes on other activities - Indonesia is eying potentialities 5. Special incentives to media which 8. Multiplier effect of new money not that can be tapped from India and promote Maharashtra tourism. only in Maharashtra but other states south Asian markets to further boost as well. its tourism sector. India is currently 0DKDUDVKWUD·V among the top 10 countries that con- ,QIUDVWUXFWXUH7RXULVP b) Government has rightly identiÀed tribute maximum visitors to Indone- Maharashtra Tourism’s new Tourism as a pillar of growth. sia. initiative - Maharashtra Unlimited - With improved road infrastructure, - Spanish tourism industry is is an umbrella programme to boost regional air connectivity and better attracted by the ‘Boat Race’ theme. tourism infrastructure. As part of budget accommodation, this sector The fascinating boat race, a signature the initiative, Mumbai-Lonavla-Pune is expected to get unlocked making event of Kerala, has become a stellar circuit and Mumbai-Igatpuri-Nashik India’s share of the global tourism attraction. This will require a world circuit will be developed as tourist market to improve. class infrastructure and allied stretches where tourism events will facilities. be promoted and roads and Àve-star c) One of the major concerns is - As regards Nigeria’s place on the hotels will be developed. A heritage increase in tax disparity in world map, there seems to prevail policy on 450 forts in the state is independent travel purchase viz-a-viz near obscurity about its tourism also in the pipeline. The upkeep and packages; for example, the potential. There is poor advertising development of the forts has been consumer has to pay the tax on Áight of the country’s image. The reality the focus of the tourism department tickets, but combined with a holiday is that Nigeria has number of places since long. SambhajiRaje, descendant package, they will also have to pay and experiences, but it lacks the of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tax on the overall package as well, infrastructure for it, especially and social reformer Rajarshi Shahu thus travel getting costlier for the economically viable infrastructure, Chhatrapati Maharaj of Kolhapur consumer. 2017 budget should end power, road and security. The have been selected as the brand such disparities and work towards initiative has to come from the ambassador for the same. Plans are a lenient tax structure to further government. It can’t be privately afoot to develop the government area promote tourism. driven. Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

- China’s tourism is much ahead of Georgia (each 41%); Malaysia (35 the people and people contact India’s. China’s growth rate in the %); and the Philippines (27 %). and increase tourism, especially business sector is the highest ɸ Though Eilat, an increasingly cruise tourism. India is also looking in the world, ahead of the USA. popular destination-- Ben Gurion at visa exemptions for ofÀcial and Main reason is Indian tourism not Airport- is Israel’s largest airport, special holders, which can matching world class infrastructure but Ovda Airport near the southern beneÀt Maharashtra. Chambers of development. While roads have city of Eilat now Commerce and Business become better and many online receives incoming Áights from nine Associations can be roped in this travel portals have emerged, what is European cities. Israel is offering exercise. missing is the required solid a subsidy of 45 euros ($48) to m) Tourism related critical statistics monumental blue print of all passengers Áying into Ovda state- wise need to be made up-to- infrastructure to take India’s tourism during the current winter season. date and reliable in place of current to a new high. New quality hotels are ɸ Most travelers are not part of scattered and divergent statistics inadequate which has added to the tour groups. About 60% of travelers scenario. demand thereby making the travel in to Israel now come independently, India far costlier. In comparison, a statistic identiÀed as a signiÀcant n) PM Modi is unhappy with lack Beijing contains as many star-category change in Israel’s tourism landscape. of coordination between govt rooms as all of India. There ɸ Ministry of Tourism hosts departments. Various arms of are many other reasons like market journalists. the central government and state size; many foreign visitors coming to government ought to function in India preferring cultural and natural h) A mammoth media campaign cohesion under a broad vision. destinations to cities while in China to generate awareness regarding Reality is that its departments prefer and many other countries, cities are various experiences tourists can to settle disputes in courts and work major draws; high taxation & service enjoy in Maharashtra can be launched. in silos. charges in independent travel An aggressive campaign to promote purchase is a major Áaw in Indian tourism infrastructure in Maharashtra o) PM’s advice is that each state travel eco-system and no comparison can go a long way to promote state should pick a few destinations in terms of quality of transportation as a versatile holiday destination and create world class tourism infrastructure in China. China’s with something to offer to everyone. infrastructure and draw the world --air, rail, and road With cooperation from professional there. India should focus on two types networks—is faster, safer, and more bodies like Tour Operators, various of tourism-- traditional and foreign. modern. With respect to safety unexplored destinations in He also lamented that despite having and security, India has witnessed Maharashtra could be promoted. a large number of places signiÀcant numerous instances of pickpockets, from the point of view of promoting burglary, sexual assaults and scams i) Nearly half of a billion Indian religious tourism, there was a lack of vis-à-vis foreign tourists. students are pursuing courses abroad. skill development courses for guides - Israel is well known for its eye Authorities too can explore foreign operating there. He has underscored catching tourism. students’ study potential in the state. the need for “special branding” of India’s rich cultural heritage. Some noteworthy facts about Isra- j) With a mature tourism industry, el’s tourism are— the vision to make an attractive p) Maharashtra can consider creating ɸ Government’s signiÀcant destination for investment will get a a World-Class Museum; a World- investment in targeted marketing boost. Class Film Institute; a World-Class initiatives and outreach to “new Institute (like the The Shaolin markets.” k) India showcasing its growth story Temple’s Kung Fu school famous ɸ International airline incentives at WEF annual meet also creates for its iconic imagery of thousands ɸ Record-high marketing budget interest of foreigners to visit India. of students practicing in unison. ɸ New routes like Hainan Airlines, Millions of tourists travel to China China’s largest private airline, opened l) Tourism collaboration between just to witness such scenes. India’s a new route into Israel last year. India and strategic countries can yoga institutes must do the same, ɸ Israeli Ministry of Tourism’s 2016 be made integral to its FTAs and for yoga), a beautiful, World-Class video advertising campaign in India. CEPAs. This in many cases can Modern Cultural Monument and a ɸ Fastest-growing tourism feeder beneÀt Maharashtra. For ex. India Global Skill Centre for promoting countries- China (up 69 %); Croatia and UAE have agreed to boost tourism expertise. (62 %); Belarus, Latvia and maritime transport so as to increase

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story

In Sum India receives only 0.7% of the world’s tourists and 1.45% of the world’s tourism revenues. The current 11% tourism growth rate is mediocre and unambitious; it does not do justice to India’s immense unrealized potential. Maharashtra can take the lead to contribute to transforming India into a highly competitive and attractive tourism destination.

How best to tap Maharashtra’s phenomenal tourism potential for nation-building needs to be constantly researched?

Investment in tourism infrastructure- both soft-- mainly governance, skills, safety cleanliness—and physical are needed. This along with effective policy formulation and its time bound implementation can unleash realization of the tremendous growth potential of Maharashtra.

Pictures on Tourism in Maharashtra Famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus formerly known as Victoria Terminus-- A Àne specimen of British architecture, CST takes you back to the colonial era and at the same time gives you the true pulse of modern day Mumbai.

Thosegar waterfalls, Maharashtra The Thosegar falls are one of the hidden gems of Maharashtra. Located near a quaint village named Thoseghar, these falls are just 20 km from and a great picnic spot from Mumbai and Pune. Believed to be the tallest waterfall in India (500 m), Thosegar falls must also be visited on account of the surrounding countryside with lush greenery and dense dark woods.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story Development of Tourism Infrastructure in Maharashtra

Introduction 3. Generate fresh investments in the 3. The bureau will recommend to otential of Tourism as one of tourism sector to the tune of INR t h e D e p a r t m e n t o f T o u r i s m o n Pthe most effective drivers for the 30,000 crore by 2025 qualiÀcation criteria for disbursement development of regional economies of additional Àscal beneÀts under this has been acknowledged by 4. Create 1 million additional jobs in policy. government of Maharashtra. It is one the tourism sector by 2025 of the key sectors of the economy 4. Other key measures will include: which makes a positive contribution 5. Incentivize tourism units in the to government revenues, generation state by linking it to the Package 5. Encouraging tourists coming to of employment and contribution to Scheme of Incentives, 2013 of Mumbai for MICE to bring their regional development. At Travel and Industries, Energy and Labour families – A tailored itinerary for Tourism Summit-2005 in New Delhi, Department or any modiÀcations MICE tourists. Shri. Lalit Suri, Chairman of World thereafter. The incentives under this Travel and Tourism Council India policy are designed as per the needs 6. Speedy Immigration for tourists Initiative stated, “Synergy in India of the tourism sector in the state. traveling for MICE. should mean central state and private sector working together to maximize 6. Key strategic interventions are 7. Recommendations on procedures tourism promotion and experience, identiÀed and special incentives for for rationalization of Aviation with greater involvement of state respective intervention have been laid Turbine Fuel (ATF). authorities”. out. 8. Action plan for initiatingMoUs Augmentation of quality tourism 7. Strengthening of tourism with airlines to promote Mumbai as a infrastructure throughout the country infrastructure especially in the form hop-over destination. is a key area of functioning of the of PPP model, special tourism Ministry of Tourism. More than Àfty infrastructure Tourism Infrastructure 9. Recommendations on per cent of the Ministry’s expenditure development fund, CSR, etc. are rationalization and simpliÀcation of on Plan schemes is incurred for deÀned in this policy. Conference visa regime. development of quality tourism The Department of Tourism has infrastructure at various tourist Hotels created ‘Maharashtra MICE (Meetings, destinations and circuits in the States/ Hotels are an important component Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions UTs. of the tourism product. They Bureau’ on lines of Dubai contribute in the overall tourism Highlights of the 2016 Bureau, as a Public / experience through the standards Private Sector initiative. This has its Maharashtra Tourism of facilities and services offered by own budget and Personnel to market them. With the aim of providing Policy are as follows: Mumbai as a MICE Destination. The contemporary standards of facilities 1. Designate Tourism as a priority bureau also performs the following and services available in the hotels, sector since it holds the potential functions: the Ministry of Tourism has to usher in economic development 1. Invite interested private parties formulated a voluntary scheme for and generate high employment through PPP mode for establishing classiÀcation of operational hotels opportunities in Maharashtra- MICE centers across Maharashtra. which will be applicable to the change-the policy will establish. following categories: Star Category 2. SimpliÀcation of procedures and Hotels: 5 Star Deluxe, 5 Star, 4 Star, 2. Achieve sector growth of 10% per single window clearance mechanism 3 Star, 2 Star & 1 Star Heritage annum and share of 15% in GSDP for Conference / Exhibitions. Category Hotels: Heritage Grand, through tourism and tourism related Heritage Classic & Heritage Basic activities.

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story

The Ministry of Tourism has a comprising of 21 Central IHMs, 8 destination with various facets of the scheme for granting approval to State IHMs and 12 Private IHMs facilities available, sightseeing around hotel projects from the point of view and 5 Food Craft Institutesfollowing the place, important telephone of this suitability for international National Council’s course curriculum. numbers and the contact points of tourists. Travel Trade Division has The National Council has its own India tourism ofÀcers. Similarly, a classiÀcation committee set up by website, which can be accessed at the Àlms deal with the subject in its the Ministry classiÀes the functioning www.nchmct.org entirety covering all destinations of hotels under the star system into six the country. categories from star one to Àve star Task Force for steering and deluxe. Similarly, the Ministry has a monitoring the skill development Overseas Marketing scheme of approving Travel Agents, effort of the Government of India Overseas ofÀces of GoI are created Tour Operators, Adventure Tour is marked by Ministry of Tourism by The Ministry of Tourism, Operators and Tourist Transport providing lodging facilities to the Government of India, through its 14 Operators, the idea being to trainees from all parts of India. ofÀces overseas endeavors to position encourage quality, standard and Travel Agents are important stake India in the tourism generating service in these categories so as to holders in tourism infrastructure as markets as a preferred tourism promote . This is a they make arrangements of tickets destination, to promote various voluntary scheme open to all bonÀre for travel by air, rail, ship, Indian tourism products vis-à-vis agencies. passport, visa, etc. They also arrange competition faced from various accommodation, tours, entertainment destinations and to increase India’s It has been the Endeavour of the and other tourism related services. share of the global tourism market. Ministry of Tourism to put in place Inbound tour operators make Through an integrated marketing a system of training and professional arrangements for transport, and promotional strategy and a education with necessary accommodation, sightseeing, synergized campaign in association infrastructural support capable of entertainment and other tourism with the Travel Trade, State generating manpower sufÀcient related services for foreign tourists. Governments and Indian Missions. to meet the needs of the tourism Tourist Transport Operators provide The speciÀc elements of and hospitality industry, both tourist transport like cars, coaches, promotional efforts undertaken quantitatively and qualitatively. As of boats etc. to tourists for transfers, overseas include Advertising in now, there are 29 Institutes of Hotel sightseeing and journeys to tourist the Print & Electronic Media, Management (IHMs), comprising 21 places etc. Adventure Tour Operators Participation in Fairs & Exhibitions, Central IHMs and 8 State IHMs, and engage in activities related to Organizing Seminars, Workshops, 5 Food Craft Institutes (FCIs), which Adventure Tourism in India Road Shows & India Evenings, have come up with the support of namely, water sports, aero sports, Printing of Brochures and the Ministry. These institutes were mountaineering, trekking and Collaterals, Brochure Support/Joint set up as autonomous societies with of various kinds, etc. In addition to Advertising with Travel Agents / speciÀc mandate to impart / conduct that he may also make arrangements Tour Operators, Inviting the Media hospitality education / training in for transport, accommodation, and Travel Trade to visit the country hospitality skills. Universities have etc. Domestic tour operators make under the Hospitality Programme etc. been conducting degree/diploma arrangements for transport, and certiÀcate courses on Travel and accommodation, sightseeing, Incredible India Tourism. entertainment and other tourism International Campaigns related services for domestic tourists. Ministry of Tourism commenced its Training Programmes International TV Campaign (2009-10 Tourism management and catering Publicity – Extended to 2010-11) for Europe education programmes gained As part of its marketing / publicity and Americas region, which Ànished tremendous popularity and the activities, the Ministry of Tourism in the Àrst half of the 2010-11. proÀle of students seeking admission brings out brochures, leaÁets, maps, In December, 2010, the Ministry to these courses also underwent a Àlms, CDs, etc. on various topics. launched its International TV transformation. As a result, courses Each heading given below details the Campaign 2010-11 - Europe. Leading offered by the National Council are theme on an all India basis, based on TV channels of pan-regional reach of international standard which have availability of the respective products. are part of the Media Plan of the been recognized by the hospitality In case of the destination folders, the industry. At present, there are 41 leaÁet / folder / brochure gives the Institutes of Hotel Management- information about the place or the

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

Ministry. delegation from India and the travel a Glance” is also brought out, giving Participation in Travel Fairs trade in the respective countries. The updated and latest key statistical and Exhibitions delegation for the Road Shows was data. The Ministry also estimates India tourism ofÀces overseas have led by the Secretary (Tourism). month wise Foreign Tourist Arrivals participated in the major international (FTAs) Àgures and Foreign Exchange Travel Fairs and Exhibitions in ¾ India tourism Toronto undertook Earnings (FEE) from tourism, and important tourist generating markets massive advertising and outdoor this is brought out within a time lag the world over as well as in emerging publicity during the Vancouver of just 4-5 days. and potential markets to showcase Winter Games 2010 in Vancouver and promote the tourism products and also Paralympics Games 2010 Cooperation with of the country. These include from February to March 2010. International organizations Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in International Co-operation Division Dubai, PATA Travel Mart in Macau, ¾ India Tourism Paris participated is one of the important divisions and World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, and supported the 3rd France-India of the Ministry of Tourism, which China International Travel Mart in Business Cup Golf Tournament held engages in various consultations and Shanghai, ITB – Asia in Singapore, at St. Tropez, France during 13th negotiations with the international World Travel Market (WTM) in – 17th October 2010. A high level organizations such as United Nations London, IME; in Frankfurt, FITUR delegation led by Hon’ble Minister World Tourism Organization in Madrid and ITB in Berlin. Tourism, Joint Secretary (T), Regional (UNWTO); Economic and Social India tourism, Beijing was awarded Director, India Tourism Frankfurt Commission for Asia and the the “Best Tourism Promotion Award” attended the event. Hon’ble PaciÀc (ESCAP); Bay of Bengal at the World Travel Fair in Shanghai. Minister of Tourism inaugurated Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical India tourism, Tokyo was awarded the France-India Business Cup Golf and Economic Co-operation the “Best Booth Operation Award” at Tournament on 14th of October and (BIMSTEC); Mekong-Ganga Co- the Korea World Travel Fair and the there was a meeting held with various operation (MGC); Association of “Best Tourism Promotion Award” at Stakeholders for promotion of Golf South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) the Busan Fair Tourism. and South Asian Association for in South Korea. Regional Co-operation (SAARC) ¾ India tourism, Dubai organized and South Asian Sub-regional Some Major Promotional the Golf Tournament at Ras Al Economic Co-ope ation (SASEC). This Activities Undertaken for Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Division holds consultations and Overseas Promotion India tourism Johannesburg negotiations with other countries The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. organized “Know India” seminar to for signing of Agreements / of India undertook a series of the group of 12 people travelling to Memorandum of Understanding promotional initiatives to aggressively India and for the group of 6 ladies (MoU) for bilateral/multilateral promote tourism to India. travelling to south India giving cooperation in the Àeld of tourism, As part of the promotional initiatives information about shopping, hotels, organizes Joint Working Group undertaken, Road Shows were Ayurveda and spas and safe travelling Meetings with other countries and organized in important tourist for women. attends Joint Commission Meetings generating markets overseas with in coordination with the Ministries of participation of different segments Market Research Commerce, Culture, External Affairs, of the travel industry. Statistical data is an important tool Civil Aviation, Finance, Petroleum, for the planners and policy makers etc. for development and promotion ¾ Road Shows, in collaboration not only for planning/ policy of tourism. with the Indian Association of Tour formulation but also to monitor the Operators were organized in CIS progress of the schemes and evaluate Niche Tourism Countries, during the months of their impact. The Ministry of Tourists who are interested in natural September-October 2010. Road Tourism brings out an Annual tourism for recreation which includes Shows in collaboration with the Publication called “ India Tourism a wide range of activities skiing, PATA India Chapter were organized Statistics “ every year giving details of paragliding, swimming, water rafting, in May 2010 in USA and Canada. The international and , Àshing, hunting, horse riding, Road Shows comprised presentations including details about the classiÀed trekking, safaris, etc. Rural natural on India followed by one-to-one hotels etc. In addition, a small tourism is attractive for three reasons business meetings between the trade brochure called “Tourism Statistics at it will cost effective and pollution free

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story environment and lots of greenery. festivals are needed to be promoted is a socially responsible Some of the adventurous game to attract tourists. According to the type of tourism which preserves requires operational skills to help the respondents, the tour operators have natural resources as wells maintaining tourist. According the respondents, to be organized programme for the the well-being and social values of the trained tourist guide is very tourist to encourage . the local population.Eco tourists are important for rural natural tourism. interested in visiting those site is They have the responsibilities to Film Tourism, Lit Fest Tourism famous for their natural resources. understand the customer need and In the recent times, International Mangrove in Sundarbans of West use his experience and skill to keep Film/literary Festivals also attract Bengal, Hot spring in Rajgirh in them safe and happy. thousands of tourists. Hundreds of Bihar, Gir forest in Gujarat, Event Management companies are TharDesert in Rajasthan, Lakes in is concerned with involved in the organization of the Udaipurin Rajasthan, Chilka Lake in the culture, history, and archeology mega events. Proper standards of Orissa these are some of the famous of local people. They are interested health and safety need to be put in site visited by the tourist regularly. in visiting culturally signiÀcant places place so that tourists are not duped, But there are many other site which in India. The places with historical cheated, defrauded and women are neither well-connected nor have evidence attract tourists. Since most tourist does not face sexual violence. the basic facilities to attract the of these places do not have proper tourist Many tourists like to visit accommodation facilities people Health Tourism, which is concerned place of natural beauty like native generally prefer to gofer a day trip. with health, yoga and Ayurveda bush, caves, fossils, bird sanctuary, In southern part of India there are treatments. Tourists believe that waterways, natural forest, natural large temples made in ancient period Health Tourism could be a good park, desert, wildlife, marine life, or medieval period. Forts of different option for rural tourism. Many snowfall etc. Tourists expect to learn Nizams or the rulers in remote areas people are suffering from various something from this type of trips. could the area of interest for many physical and mental illness like They expect a skill interpretation with tourists. Lots of forts and palaces chronic headache, loss of sleep, necessary knowledge to guide them of Maharajas from medieval period mental tension, rheumatic pain, and answer to all their curiosities. and modern period are available in muscular strains, sprains, nervous Boucher and books could be made northern and western of India. pains of muscular origin, obesity available to the tourists for better Temple from all the periods, or excessive fatness and muscles understand the site. Video Àlms of archeological excavation of ancient weakness. Many respondents are those sites with proper explanations period is available in northern and interested for health tourism. Yoga, could act as a guide where experience western of India. In eastern part of Ayurveda and spa treatment are guide is not available. India, we Ànd temples from all period time-tested and trusted methods to and British architectural evidence improve your physical and mental Village-based tourism, in which indifferent places, an evidence activity irrespective of the age group. tourists share in village life, and rural of modern period. Making the Ayurveda is the only system of villages gain economic and other historical site a canter of attraction, medical treatment Rural Tourism It’s beneÀts from tourist activities people we can provide other services to an Alcove that India can offering the are interested for village based tourism. attract the attention of the tourist. world which uses botanical treatment Most of them are not interested for the body and mind. All three because according to them basic India’s fairs and festivals, some of have been accepted global today. facilities will not be available there. which are already well established The World Health Organization Accommodation could be a problem. such as the Pushkar mela of Ajmer, recognizes it as an alternative Public administration is weak in the Desert Festival at Jaisalmer, the medicine. Yoga, Ayurveda and spa villages, they are not safe And secure. , Navchandi mela in treatments are the world’s most Tour operators can make the village Meerut,Shantiniketan Mela in Bolpur ecofriendly medicine, none of them base tourism attractive by arranging etc. should be promoted as unique have anyside-effects. Moreover, different types of accommodation to products of Indian culture. India is a major suppliers of doctors, make the village stay comfortable. It Different festival of India like Holi, nurses, health management personnel could be a holiday accommodation Diwali, Durga Puja, Ganesh Utsav, to several industrially advanced as with parks and . Hotels with Navaratri, etc are some of the well as developing countries. Why motor lodges, bar and festivals of India should be more not use this great human capital for facilities. and self-catering organize to attract Domestic as well India’s economic growth by without bar and restaurant facilities. as International tourist. Melas and developing health tourism And lastly host accommodation with infrastructure? Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

, home stays, farm horticulture or forestry are also need to be created to provide advice stays, and camp stay. Each of the included. Successful farm stays to a on project marketing and deal four categories has its own facilities Rural Tourism It’s an Alcove that structuring, Transaction Advisory and the quality of the service which India can offer very large extent Services for the public sector to contribute towards the quality of the depend on the well-developed engage private investors, bid experience. Rural self-catering units hospitality skills of the host and management services for Investors, i.e. self-accommodation e.g. quarters their capacity to make visitors feel as identify optimal capital structures and and other types of under-utilized though they are part of the family. Ànancing strategies for PPP projects, farm accommodation often can assist clients in packaging projects in be upgraded to meet tourist Conclusion order to raise capital through various requirements. Demand For this type For providing state of the art debt or equity structures and of accommodation is growing. In tourism infrastructure, the state needs instruments, create business plans, some places like Goa, different parts to attract private sector participation secure Ànancing for infrastructure of Kerala and Rajasthan this type for infrastructure development projects as per the safety standards, of accommodation is given to the projects and access the operational valuation and business modeling, tourist. Rural ambience may be expertise of private companies under divestitures and carve-outs and natural or created to provide a rural public private partnerships (PPPs) Feasibility Studies. lifestyle to tourist. Monitoring model for implementing mechanism to ensure safety of infrastructure projects efÀciently. For By Prof. Vibhuti Patel, tourists as well as hosts is need of an this, identiÀcation of suitable private Head, Economics Department, hour. partners for projects in the state is SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai-20 a must. Structures and mechanisms Agro tourism, in which tourists watch or take part in traditional agricultural practices, without disturbing the ecosystem or the productivity of host areas. Some are interested for agro tourism. Agro tourism refer to visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation. It could be an overnight stay, for the purpose of participating in or enjoying farm activities and/or other attraction offered. The tourist can move around the farms or orchards. Where they can themselves collect or harvest the fruits or products. The prices they pay for the volume harvested will be usually higher than what the grower would get from a broker. The activity of visiting a farm for short periods of time for the purpose of participating in or enjoying. Farm activities and/or other attraction offered. Farm stay is the most well-known of these, and consists of bed and breakfast and, in some cases, an evening meal, along with activities or attractions centered mainly on the traditional, pastoral, farm or farmhouse. Properties which use the land in other ways e.g.

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story Tourism and its contribution to the Economy B.S Rathor is the Advisor & Member Executive Committee Member, All India Resort Development Association (AIRDA), a national body of (Timeshare) Resort Developers in India. He has been a past Chairman of AIRDA for over a decade and was instrumental in establishing the Association from the roots. An Honors’ Graduate in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, B S Rathor joined AIRDA after his retirement from Ford India, where he was a Vice Mr. B S Rathor President. B.S Rathor has been actively involved with major industry and business associations throughout his professional career. B.S Rathor has been a regular contributor to The Hindu group of publications on industry and economic issues. He is an accredited member of the Foreign Correspondents Club, New Delhi. E-mail: anil.rathor100#gmail.com _ info#airda.org

ourism is an activity difÀcult to residents of the given country Global Macroeconomic and TdeÀne and more difÀcult to traveling only within the country, Tourism Outlook comprehend in view of its inbound tourism - involving non- There are various research reports complexities. It is not a product nor residents traveling in the given available - the mother source of a service but a rare blend of both or country, and outbound tourism - all being WTTC, and the rest being neither. In simple terms and as best involving residents traveling in country and segment-speciÀc, based understood it is travel for an objective another country. The terms travel, on studies conducted by major -be it leisure, business or other tourism and hospitality are market research companies. The purposes. I call it a unique experience complementary and are commonly global macroeconomic situation has through the combination of used in the parlance of tourism. a direct impact on the growth of multitudes of objects bordering from tourism and its correlation with the mundane to the spectacular under As a part of evolution and the GDP. The global GDP growth its umbrella. More than its deÀnition recognition by various governments forecast for 2017 is 2.6% and is it is important to know that this in greater measure, several offshoots expected to pick up beyond. amalgam has the capability to deliver of tourism are emerging. These are an experience which only can be felt classiÀed under “Niche Tourism” The fastest growing world region by the traveling mass that are ever and comprise agro tourism, heritage in 2016, 2017, and 2016-20 will be ready to savor its glory. tourism, wellness/, South Asia, led by strong growth in , cultural tourism India, whose economy is expected to Tourism is embraced by almost all the amongst others. I have deliberately outperform China. countries on the globe in some form excluded two large segments or another because it has the power to which are arguably country drive economies, add value as well as VSHFLÀF ZKLFK , ZLOO WUHDW a platform for creating opportunities separately. These are “leisure and aspiration. tourism & spiritual tourism” not only because they have a large “Tourism can be domestic or market but have high growth international, and international potential and better included in tourism has both incoming and the mainstream tourism in India. Figure 2 – ADDING VALUE TO outgoing implications on a country’s balance of payments. Today, tourism THE LOCAL COMMUNITY is a major source of income for many The world direct travel & tourism countries, and affects the economy of GDP growth will outpace the overall both the source and host countries, economy, was resilient in 2016 and in some cases being of vital will continue to grow faster than the importance” – (source WTTC). wider global economy at around 3.1% and rise by 4.2% pa from 2016-2020. The three major types of tourism Figure 1 - JAISALMER DESERT Tourism in India is expected to make include domestic tourism - involving RAJASTHAN a direct contribution GDP at around

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

8.6% during 2016-20 (WTTC). to INR 13,305.5bn in 2026. Visitors originated in the sixties in Europe This arguably could be the highest exports are expected grow by 5.3% in and over the years, it has become a compared with other regions. 2016 to INR 1,315.9bn, and rise by popular leisure-cum-vacation format, 7.2% pa to INR 2,625.6bn in 2026. and a Àrst option for a wide range There is now an increasing awareness of customer proÀles. Today’s leisure of tourism related environmental ¾ The total contribution of travel travelers have a wide range of issues and revenues generated out of and tourism to employment destinations to choose from - in tourism activity are used to measure including jobs indirectly supported the country and around the globe. the economic value of protected by the industry was 8.7% of total Customers around the world are areas. Tourism earnings are partially employment (37.3 million jobs) in turning to vacation ownership / from informal employment of 2015. This is expected rise to 46.4 timeshare as their preferred option agencies which facilitate smooth million jobs in 2026. for holidays. More than 16 million functioning down the last mile as households own vacation interval vendors, guides, local transport ¾ The total contribution of travel products across 5,300 in over providers, roadside restaurants and and tourism to GDP is three times 120 countries. the like. The revenues generated are greater than its direct contribution. reinvested in the local economy and Vacation ownership in India is clearly have a great multiplier effect. As per The above data reinforces the a front runner in the tourism WTO estimates indirect contribution view that there is enormous latent (hospitality) industry. The vacation of tourism is equal to 100% of direct potential in leisure travel which ownership in India has been growing tourism expenditures. provides a ready platform to expand at a CAGR of over 15% during exponentially. One could say that the last Àve years. There is a visible Travel & tourism generated US$ 7.2 leisure travel encompasses most increase in the number of timeshare trillion (9.8% of global GDP and of the niche tourism segments owners; because holidayers are 284 million jobs (1 in 11 jobs) to the mentioned in this paper including seeking new leisure options – an global economy in 2015. Despite spiritual tourism. This market is indication of rapidly changing challenges the sector is forecast awaiting proÀtable development lifestyles where holidaying has to continue outperforming global become a necessity. The timeshare growth in the coming years. The industry in India is fairly new and fastest growing G20 countries for is in its developmental and growth total travel & tourism GDP to 2026 stage. Studies have revealed there will be China, India, Indonesia, are 80 timeshare companies having Mexico and South Africa. India’s more than 180 resorts. Over 500000 strong forecast will propel it into the families take to leisure travel every top ten travel & tourism economies year in timeshare resorts in attractive by 2026 in terms of total travel and destinations throughout the country. tourism GDP The scales are small but have a Figure 3 - TIMESHARE tremendous potential to grow in view Major Tourism Segments in PROJECT TIRUPATHI of the fast changing demographic India patterns in India. Timeshare is a ¾ Domestic travel spending great driver of domestic tourism through new investments. generated 82.5% of direct Travel & and is less vulnerable to external The tourism basket provides a Tourism GDP in 2015 as compared disturbances – political, economic diverse range of products and with 17.5% for visitor exports or geo-physical. services to enhance the tourism (i.e. foreign visitor spending or experience. One such product is international tourism receipts). vacation ownership (timeshare) which is perhaps the fastest growing ¾ Leisure travel spending (domestic segment amongst its peers. But and inbound) generated 83.2% before this, let us spend a little time of direct Travel & Tourism GDP on some tourism statistics. in 2015 as compared with 16.8% for spending. The vacation ownership (timeshare) industry forms an integral part of the Figure - 4 TIMESHARE ¾ Domestic travel spending is leisure tourism segment. It will be apt PROJECT AMRITSAR expected to grow by 6.6% in 2016 to to mention it brieÁy. This concept INR 6,284.4bn, and rise by 7.8% pa  February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story

T h e M i n i s t r y o f T o u r i s m , growth of online travel portals, viability gap funding. Schemes for Government of India has recently growing intra-regional cooperation capacity-building of service providers prepared a draft National Tourism and more effective PPPs are seen as AIRDA has requested the Ministry Policy 2015 which is awaiting Ànal key growth drivers for tourism in the of Tourism to incentivize domestic approval. The draft policy has been next decade. leisure cum spiritual tourism to leverage prepared with the suggestion of the large available market of 1600M. all stakeholders in the travel, tour- Hundred percent FDI is allowed ism and the hospitality segments. under the automatic route in tourism Nature has provided India with a The centre in partnership with the and hospitality, subject to applicable natural demography with a diverse states is giving high priority to the regulations and laws.100% FDI heritage. The splendor of the snow development of tourism activity allowed in tourism construction clad Himalayas, the Jaisalmer deserts in the country. The draft policy is projects, including the development in Rajasthan in all their beauty and comprehensive and has a radical of hotels, resorts and recreational splendor, the plantations, the wildlife, approach. It may not be possible to facilities. history and culture, the long maritime talk about the policy in my article but boundaries with abundant beaches, it is pertinent to note that the policy Investment-linked deduction under the beauty of the north eastern has a focus on domestic tourism Section 35 AD of the Income Tax parts of the country, dance, drama, which will become a base for Act is in place for establishing new mythology. Not to forget the Taj attracting inbound tourists. The hotels in the 2-star category and Mahal and the rich mix of temples, policy mentions in detail all niche above across India, thus permitting churches, mosques which embrace segments which largely are offshoots a 100% deduction in respect of the the tourists to their fold. The list is of domestic cum leisure segment whole or any expenditure of a capital endless. And to add to it all India which warrant special attention. nature excluding land, goodwill and is now one of the fastest growing Other areas include inclusion of Ànancial instruments incurred during economies in the world. Global tourism in the concurrent list of the the year. investments are pouring in and will constitution to make it a national only get better in the next decade. agenda, review of restrictive / Incentives offered by state obstructive clauses in current hotel governments include subsidized land Tourism needs socio-political classiÀcation guidelines, applicable cost, relaxation in stamp duty, and acceptance by those who run the beneÀts to hotels to be given to all exemption on sale/lease of land, country. And a growing belief that recognized hospitality segments as power tariff incentives, concessional the rapid development of the tourism timeshare resorts, home stays etc. rate of interest on loans, investment industry will bring in multifold subsidies/tax incentives, backward beneÀts such as development of the The draft policy suggests a review areas subsidies and special incentive rural interiors and regional areas, of dated legislation, encourage packages for mega projects. economic growth and wealth non-traditional categories of Incentives are provided for setting creation. We can also take into accommodation such as Home Stays, up projects in special areas – the account employment generation in Tented Accommodation, Compiling North-east, Jammu & Kashmir, rural areas, adding substantially to Sites, Timeshare Resorts etc.; Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. exports and domestic revenues. classifying hotels and resorts as Incentives from the Ministry of Indian tourism is waiting to welcome infrastructure under section 80 1A Tourism include assistance you with open arms. / 1B of the IT Act; declaring all in large revenue-generating hospitality projects as industrial projects. Support to PPPs in sector for the purposes of utility infrastructure development such as charges & property cess and levy By B S Rathor, Advisor & Member Executive Committee of industrial rates; applicability of All India Resort Development Association lower GST slab for all tourism and Bangalore hospitality businesses.

A growing recognition of tourism’s contribution to employment and economic growth, the availability of better infrastructure, focused Figure 5 - PLANTATIONS marketing and promotion efforts, MUNNAR liberalization of air transport, the

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

Skill Development - Essential to a Successful and Robust Tourism Sector Growth through Secured Governance By Mukund Gupta Mr. Mukund Gupta Research Scholar in Smart City Development

ourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of Indian economy. Therefore, Training and qualiÀcations for those Tthere is a need to formulate an appropriate policy for skill acquisition and employed in branches of the industry development in the sector for accelerating the sectoral growth in Tourism such as services,planning and sector. In this article highlights the potential of tourism sector and the need for marketing are key factors for skill development in the sector. successful penetration of this market segment.Central training Introduction topics here are the needs of guests Tourism is one of the very crucial sectors for the Indian economy. India as a with disabilities, communication, the tourism destination is unparalleled in its beauty, uniqueness, and rich culture market potential, barriers existing and history and ranks among the top 25 largest international tourism earners. along the service chain and how they While the ranking is satisfactory in the context of the country’s state of can be overcome, marketing and development, it has the potential and the competitiveness to rank among the programme design.Elderly and top ten global tourist destinations. It directly supported 23,454,500 jobs (5.5% disabled guests rely on the availability of total employment). This is expected to rise by 3.2% in 2016 and rise by of barrier-free tourist facilities, while 2.0% pa to 29,629,000 jobs (5.8% of total employment) in 2026 and The direct travellers with heavy luggage or contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP was INR.2.67 lakh crore (2.0% families with children in pushchairs of total GDP) in2015, and is forecast to rise by 7.1% in 2016, and to rise by also stand to beneÀt from better 7.9% pa, from 2016-2026, toINR.6.12 lakh crore (2.4% of total GDP) in 2026. accessibility. Tourism has one of the highest labour mobility rates across Asia, permitting discussion of the emergence of a truly Asian economic sector and a Besides it also addresses the labour market with a truly Asian dimension. Thus, the discussion about new importance of the driver, driver occupations and future skill needs for the sector in India has aparticular guide and tour director or signiÀcance. and their role in creating a positive and memorable experience for their guests. Interactive exercises provide participants with real-world simulations that help them to practice and integrate their newly acquired skills. Experience has shown that when the driver, driver guides adhere to the principles they have learned, they will enjoy their work more, receive increased gratuities and ultimately generate more business for the hospitality company. Secured Governance – Needs of Skill in Tourism Sector Roadmap to a Prospering Nowadays traveller has changed both in behaviour and in values and this Tourism Industry demandscertain changes in the product hardware and software. This can Secured Governance is a concerted be especially observed inthe luxury, golf and spa business, but also in strategy of national progress through corporate travel. Consequently, recruitmentand training demands have changed viable, sustainable relationships as well and training methods have to be adapted to scarce time and budget between various sectors. Secured in the fast-moving environment. While training can be comprehensive and Governance facilitates balanced intensive, the fundamental challenge is that genuine interest and caring cannot growth through equitable and be taught.  February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story responsive convergence of various role in enhancing the momentum of Secured governance strategy sectors, entailing higher national tourism development. designed a self – sustained inter-dependability, sharper risk revolutionary model for sustainable assessment, greater technical security The theory entails focused revenue from tourism sector for measures and comprehensive progression, i.e. development of national growth. The property of incident response mechanisms. select, scientiÀcally-recognized being close to the tourism HUB will tourist centers instead of spreading be increased many folds which is the The principles of Secured limited resources over a large fundamental axiom. Government Governance can be effectively number of circuits. This will can utilize the enhanced land values applied to the tourism industry since lead to a diversiÀcation from the for infrastructure development of a it has many beneÀciary sectors across one-dimensional sightseeing tourism project and other developmental the entire spectrum of the economy. to a wholesome holiday experience activity. With improved resource These beneÀciary industries are for visitors through conscious allocation, enhanced governance, linked through the supply chain to the attention to the aesthetic, Interdependency among sectors and tourism industry (indirect linkages) environmental and socio-cultural transparency in the system going as well as through tourism-earned implications of tourism projects. In hand in hand with Information incomes spent across various sectors. addition, these HUBs will provide Technology and Innovation can The objective of Secured major impetus in the conservation of deliver a safer, cleaner and more Governance is to enhance economic national heritage of the country. accountable delivery of growth through tourism Conclusion self-sustaining tourism infrastructure development based on advanced and services. Moreover this sector The tourism industry is a veritable technology, inter-state/ inter-agency will grow many folds along with other gold mine, waiting to be explored. coordination and communications supporting sector such as transport, It is identiÀed as one of the top six applications. manufacturing, communication, priority areas in the New Growth power, education, healthcare etc. A Path for the promotion of economic Implementing Secured high degree of technical integration development and job creation. and economic interdependence in Governance in Tourism There is a growing concern from the modern societies will also increase Tourism HUBs developed under the public sector about the increased uncertainty regarding where risks Secured Governance mechanism will reliance on imported labour to Àll begin and end, and help them create safe and efÀcient corridors skilled local job positions. Through judiciously plan and be prepared for for travellers within and through the scientiÀc planning and methodical even minor event and rings in soci- region and increase tourism implementation of the concept of ety participation in nation building spending by enhancing the tourist Secured Governance, India can Process. experience. Secured Governance become an exclusive global tourist can be implemented in the tourism destination. The approach will help industry through the concept of About the Writer diversify and stabilize the economy, Mukund Gupta has done his Masters ‘Tourism Hubs’, which are deÀned encourage civic involvement as ‘high quality tourism destinations’, in Information Management from and pride, promote community Mumbai University And having 22 facilitating public utility space beautiÀcation and revitalization, for travellers while promoting years of Industry Experience in the generate a signiÀcant economic Àeld of Information Technologies employment and generating revenues impact by increasing revenues from the deÀned region. and Electronics Security Related and boosting forex volumes while Companies on the Top Management inducing greater employment and Level. He was also associated Existing tourist destinations can business opportunities for the be evolved and newer ones can be with Micro Institute of Computer citizens of the country. Besides Technologies on Strategies and developed into ‘Tourism HUBs’ the tourism curriculum and skills through the introduction of state-of- Operations for the hi-end training development programmes be and carrier development of software art tourist infrastructure and services designed in a manner that addresses and commercial amenities in the Professionals. He is currently doing the needs of the sector, thus bridging his PhD fromJJT University, areas of communication, the gap between the education system connectivity, hospitality, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan (Registration and the workplace - preparing the No: 19715008) in Smart City transportation, health etc. These graduates for employment. HUBs would thrive on public-private Development through Secured partnerships and play an important Governance.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

UnleashingTourism Development to Economic Growth through Secured Governance

Dr. P. Sekhar

ndia is endowed with nature and Governance offers a strategy for Educational Tourism. The types of Igifted with immense beautiful tourism infrastructure development tourism in India have grown and this tourist attractions; tourism has and maintenance services through has boosted the Indian economy. emerged as a new impetus for private participation. The community That it continues to grow efforts economic growth, given its ability will get all necessary amenities with must be taken by the Indian to enhance foreign exchange and minimal investment from the public government, so that the tourism employmentopportunity. Ingeneral sector and will act only the role of sector can contribute more government will provide funds for facilitator. Tourism industry, thus, has substantially to the nation’s GDP. the development of all sector and its the hidden potential to contribute to projects.The aim of this article is to the economic growth of India. The identify critical aspects of Secured capital cost of tourism infrastructure The view of sustainable tourism Governance that need to be in place development could be recovered by is part of the general concept of to maximise the Indian tourism capturing the increase in land value sustainable development. The idea industry growth with minimum that results from the investment by of sustainable tourism should be investment by government. To be both public and private entities. Value understood as the manner of sure that there would be a multi-fold capture is a type of public Ànancing organization and performing of the increase in the foreign and domestic that recovers some or all of the value tourism sector as a whole, with a tourist Áow and revenue generation that public infrastructure generates classiÀcation of various criteria into from Foreign Exchange Earning for private landowners. successive levels, serving to achieve (FEE) along with increase in tourist satisfactory social and economic satisfaction due to plausible planning India is a country with a history of objectives without belittling the value and management for the civilization spreading over more than of tourist and natural resources. development of suchinterrelated 5000years. The cultural heritage of In addition to doubts about the tourism sector such as mobility, India has a glorious past and many deÀnition of the concept itself, communication, service and things to offer foreign tourists. It has even greater difÀculties can be accommodation through Secured immense scope for tourism which encountered when identifying the Governance. Public Private few countries of the world can equal. model of a tourist consistent with Partnership (PPP) could be suggested India occupies a unique geographical the principles of sustainable tourism. as a viable model to Ànance tourism position. It is colourful and varied. The concept of sustainable tourism projects where tourism projects are Its climate various between two should comprise all the activities Ànanced and operated through a extremes, i.e. cold in high altitudes to carried out within the framework of partnership of government and one the hot summer of plains. It has some tourism economy, which would be or more private sector companies. of the world’s loftiest mountains, best ecologically allowable, economically sunny sea beaches, most awesome viable and socially desirable – Introduction rivers, scenic valleys, deserts and from the point of view of tourism Tourism sector is one of the forests. Its monuments, sculptures companies and local communities. cornerstones of economic and paintings bear testimony to The Union budget with an allocation developments for India and a the national ethos of harmony and of INR.1,590 crore (§US$233.41 gate which integrates countries to diversities. The various types of million, (US$ INR.68.12)) to focus international markets. Almost every tourism in India are: Pilgrimage on infrastructure development and nation targets to host a greater tourism, Cultural tourism, Wildlife promotion and publicity initiatives. number of foreign visitors every tourism, Wellness tourism, Business other year. Tourism projects gen- Tourism, , Leisure The growth of tourism in coastal erally require a high amount Tourism, Adventure tourism, Cruise areas has reached its peak in recent of capitalinvestment. Secured Tourism, and decades. The economic importance

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story of coastal tourism is unquestionable, domestic although there is no analysis tourists. These forecasting what would be the direct places are could share of coastal tourismin the be window of tourism sector of India, or its likely opportunities contribution to the economy as a for tourism whole.It is basedon a unique resource economic combination at the interface of land growth centres. and sea offeringamenities such as This peripheral water, beaches, scenic beauty, rich place of growth terrestrial and marinebiodiversity, centres tend to diversiÀed cultural and historic use as a huge heritage, healthy food and, usually, revenue good infrastructure. It includes a generation diversity of activities that take place platform in bothcoastal zones and coastal through various will to provide for high quality waters, which involve the entertainment activities like Theme commercial development along Key development of tourismcapacities park, water parks, Disney Sparks etc. Tourism destinations, which serve as (hotels, resorts, Water Park, Theme If we have good transportation with Techno Economic HUB or Secured Park, restaurants, etc.) and support hygienic and user-friendly passenger Governance Township. These HUBs infrastructure (ports, marinas, Àshing amenities and entertainment will be part of existing or new and diving shops, and other facilities). attractions as mentioned above that development project. These HUBs Besides physical conditions, the results more and more tourists will will not only facilitate public utility development of tourism in coastal be willing to visit the tourist place. space for the travellers but also areas isrelated to socio-economic If we enhance infrastructure and promotes commercial units features of the receiving service quality, majority of travellers generating employment and revenue environment such as local community from other countries willprefer from the deÀned region. interests, health and security India to get better value for their conditions, political factors money. Even visitors who stay longer Secured Governance and including unpredictable crises, and experience more and the destination Tourism HUBs traditional models of tourism. earns more as they are more likely to * Selecting Existing Tourism become aware of and use facilities destination like heritage sites, Every Tourist Destinations and good services at the location Religious or natural Tourist Location will be Smart Cities where they are staying and in etc. and developing it as Tourism Secured Governance offers a strategy surrounding regions. HUB OR Developing a New for balanced infrastructure Strategically selected location to development with negligible Today we Ànd the valuation due to a Tourism HUB with state of art investment by the Government. It infrastructure growth is not optimally infrastructures and Amenities. is a concept of developing Techno channelized towards infrastructure * These HUBs are well equipped Economic Corridors connecting development and results in with the modern infrastructure, hubs which act as growth centres. The inequalities in society. Secured facilities and services in the areas concept of “Secured’’ here implies a Governance compliments the of commerce, communication, secured convergence or knitting of present PPP (Public Private connectivity, hospitality, various sectors, ensuring sustained, Participation) developmental model, transportation, medical facilities etc. balanced growth for an economy. by ensuring balanced participation of * Buoyed by the national Smart cities emerge from nearby the private and public sector taking recognition for tourism infrastructure regions of all tourist destinations. Of advantage of value and valuation development in Andhra Pradesh India’s more than 3,650 monuments, of infrastructure thereby yielding these HUBs will play a part only few of them have been the higher returns. This valuation of of taking the momentum subject of thorough reports. At infrastructure, which grows many forward is planning major destination present there are 44 site museums folds needs to be shared by society development projects across the under the control of Archaeological and by the Government to support state. For this, the Departments have Survey of India (ASI). Every tourist infrastructure development, ensuring to indentify projects on Public Private places and worship places in India balanced growth. Participation which would develop could be magnets for foreign and Secured Governance for Tourism HUBs comprise theme parks, health

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

city, science city, aqua-marine park, foster coordination and create a ) S-Governance for tourism will international convention centre, etc. social development and increase preserve the tourism patrimony * Development of selected tourist employability of local population during exhibition in order to circuits and centers which are popular and develops the cluster as a foster the sustainable socio- economic with the tourists, instead of spreading whole through regional strategies, development. limited resources over a large number technology and interdependency. ) Secured Tourism ensures long- of circuits centers. term development of tourism * DiversiÀcation of tourism in India potentials which in turn creates from the traditional sight-seeing tour conducive environment for the centered (primarily places of cultural growth of other inherently connected tourism interest) towards the more sectors like, hospitality, retail, health rapidly growing tourism market within Shouldering Other Social care, etc. the framework of country’s milieu with Sectors a conscious attention to the aesthetic, Conclusion environmental and socio-cultural The tourism industry is a veritable implications of tourism projects. gold mine, waiting to be explored. * Restoration and balanced Through scientiÀc planning and development of national heritage methodical implementation of the projects of both cultural, historical concept of Secured Governance, and tourist importance to exploit India can become an exclusive advantages of India’s unique place as global tourist destination. The a religious tourism, cultural tourism Secured Governance principles of Secured Governance destination and to utilize tourism Township can be effectively applied to the as a major force in support of Development of a DeÀned HUB’s tourism industry since it has many conservation of national heritage. will be shouldered with development beneÀciary sectors across the entire * It will not only facilitate National of “Secured Township” along the spectrum of the economy. These growth and provide additional HUB’s in selected regions across the beneÀciary industries are linked revenue from Tourism facilities but country deÀned as “Clusters” which through the supply chain to the also will facilitate an employment includes infrastructures such as tourism industry (indirect linkages) opportunity for approximately 2 –3 Residential complexes, OfÀcial as well as through tourism-earned millionPopulation. and Industrial Facilities, Power incomes spent across various sectors. and Water, Banking, One of the objectives of Secured Educational Institutes, Governance is to enhance economic Transport facilities and growth through tourism development infrastructures, based on advanced technology, Healthcare, Hospitality inter-state / inter-agency Sectors, Retail Market, coordination and communications and many more. applications. The approach will help diversify and stabilize the economy, Positive Effects of encourage civic involvement Tourism and pride, promote community ) Tourism industry beautiÀcation and revitalization, will provide an effective generate a signiÀcant economic impact by increasing revenues Various Components of platform for various modes of transport to grow in order to and boosting forex volumes while Tourism HUB facilitate travelers to reach inducing greater employment and Secured Governance in destinations; business opportunities for the Religious Places ) Tourism will boost endogenous citizens of the country. Secured Governance for religious development of local communities places is a strategy that relates to the by properly utilizing their resources; relationship between worship places ) S-Governance in tourism sector Dr. P. Sekhar is an acknowledged development and development to other social will protect the monuments, thinker having authored well-documented series of 65 sectors like education, healthcare plus books on Secured Techno-Economic National national icons and heritage Growth. These books have been a source of Global and sports centre along with various sites from vandalism; growth strategies. private institutions as partners and Government as governing body can  February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story Infrastructure Development for Tourism

“A tourist will come drawn to its beautiful past but we need to put efforts Ms. Preeti Sinha for creating systems to make them stay here” – Narendra Modi

ith tourism sector growing global tourism markets and mind has most fully developed some Wcontributing to ~10% to the the cultural and creative industries of its choicest gifts... I should point global GDP and accounting for 1 in being used to promote destinations, to India” 11 jobs worldwide, it has emerged cultural and ecotourism have become as a powerful instrument for socio- hugely popular in the Indian context. With 10 bio-geographical zones and economic development. It is the largest However, steps such as improving 32 world heritage sites, unchallenged service industry globally in terms infrastructure and connectivity, geographical advantage and a diverse of gross revenue as well as foreign tourist assistance facilities, safety portfolio of niche tourism products exchange earnings. Recognizing this and regulatory framework, as well as including adventure, medical, contribution, the United Nations ensuring convenient visa, wellness and sports among others, declared 2017 as the “International immigration and customs procedures, India remains a prime hotspot for Year of Sustainable Tourism for will be pivotal for leveraging the full global tourists and yet lags behind Development”, thus, presenting a potential of this sector. Further, other Asian tourist hubs like unique opportunity to advance the policy reforms for rationalization Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and contribution of the tourism sector of land procurement costs and China. to the three pillars of sustainability – single-window clearance systems will One must understand that economic, social and environmental. signiÀcantly boost investments in the development in tourism sector. In the Indian scenario, tourism sector infrastructure is not merely limited makes a signiÀcant impact on the Traditionally, tourism has been an to constructing new buildings, roads economy of our country. World integral part of Indian tradition and etc, it also extends to promotion of Travel and Tourism Council culture. The concepts of “Atithi responsible tourism and sustainable Report 2016 reveals that the travel and Devo Bhava” (the Guest is God) and consumption habits of tourists. Over tourism sector contributed INR “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the time, infrastructure has integrated 8309.4 Billion to the country’s GDP World is one Family) are revered minute sustainability solutions such which supported around 37 Million globally and have been governing as the ‘Reuse, Reduce, Recycle’ jobs in 2015. the Indian social behavior since time principle, however sustainability is immemorial. Adding to this glory expected to evolve beyond this Provision of world class were the luxurious palaces, principle to accommodate and infrastructure facilities is a key enchanting gardens, marvelous understand the impact on the determinant for India’s appeal in temples, grand forts, tombs and carrying capacity of the region as well the global tourism market. The memorials built by the ancient Indian as the local community livelihoods. critical infrastructure required for rulers that today remain a testimo- This multi-faceted challenge needs comfortable experience to tourists ny to the rich cultural heritage and to be tackled using a multi-pronged includes connectivity, tourists’ exquisite craftsmanship. approach. facilities, maintenance and management of tourist attractions. The words of the famous Firstly, we must tap into the rich Government recognizes this need Orientalist, Max Mueller aptly sum cultural heritage of our country. and has introduced series of schemes up the strength of India: “If we We have the advantage of being such as PRASAD, HRIDAY and were to look over the whole world one among the countries of the Swadesh Darshan amongst others to Ànd out the country most richly world with the largest collections of to improve linkages between key endowed with all the wealth, power music, dance, theatre, folk traditions, tourist locations which shall certainly and beauty that nature can bestow – performing arts, rites and rituals, provide much needed impetus to the in some parts a veritable paradise on paintings, and writings, known as the tourism infrastructure of the country. the earth-I should point to India. If I Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) With the advent of largest and fastest were asked under what sky the human of humanity. Heritage, in essence, is a narrative of the story of mankind. Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

It tells our story. Tourism can enliven incentives. Extensive market research Department, India. this heritage, which thus offers an and evaluation exercise should be immense opportunity to contribute undertaken in order to identify and Under this partnership, Taj Safaris to inclusive economic growth, social highlight desired tourist destination imparted specialized training to three development and stability, and attributes and major market forest ofÀcers and two veterinarians heritage preservation. Hence, it’s vital segments. Tourist destinations may to capture and transport and also for us to preserve our past, so we can then be developed through Áagship donated two modiÀed large vehicles protect our future. projects involving state governments for transporting these animals. The and private sector players. These may animals are captured under the Heritage resources need to be viewed be developed either as ‘products’ supervision of experts from Africa and projected as assets rather than such as religious, wellness, adventure, who have prior experience in liabilities as they represent a history nature, rural or agriculture tourisms translocating thousands of animals in of communities embodying their or as ‘experiences’ such as the Rama Africa and other countries. tradition and culture through trail planned in Gujarat or the Spice This innovative partnership not only architecture and the urban form. Route Tourism planned in Kerala. Most of the urban locale India helps in biodiversity conservation has a long history and today, after Private owners can play a vital role but also provide specialized skills - centuries of growth, urban citizens to development of the tourism ability to undertake translocation of live in an environment where new industry in India and have the wild animals in large numbers, to elements are juxtaposed with old potential to create new destination repopulate depleted areas to the ones. Often centuries-old buildings hotspot for attracting new tourists forest department personnel, thus and groups of buildings lie out of from abroad. Such partnerships bring providing a much needed tourism sight behind modern development. together stakeholders with different impetus to the state. Initiatives such as ‘Heritage Walks’ objectives and skills, and resources As is strategically help citizens and tourists relate to the in a formal or informal voluntary implemented, there would be an historic parts of the city in a more partnership to improve the increased focus in many states personal and intimate manner. Such attractiveness of a regional on MICE (Meetings, Incentive, initiatives not only heighten sensitivity destination, its productivity, Conferencing & Exhibitions) sector of the local populace towards the associated market efÀciency, and the as a kick starter for growth of the historic value of settlements but also overall management of tourism. industry. A separate encourage local communities to con- strategy needs to be devised to take serve and preserve their own heritage, One of the exemplary initiatives has been the partnership between steps towards leveraging the MICE thus inculcating a sense of pride and sector in cities which are currently appreciation among them. private - Taj Safaris and Madhya Pradesh Forest Department not internationally connected since Creating basic infrastructure to reintroduce gaur in Bandhavgarh they face stiff competition from the facilities around the heritage National Park. This one of its kind other cities. Apart from connectivity, monuments would provide a partnership represents a strong the availability of world-class signiÀcant boost to the tourism sec- correlation between tourism and infrastructure is another area of tor in India. biodiversity. Taj Safaris, a joint venture intervention such as setting up between African conservation international level convention Secondly, one must realize that the tourism operator &Beyond (2015) centers. tourism sector has a signiÀcant direct and Indian hotel company Taj Hotels, impact on our natural resources. The Thirdly, India should move towards is the Àrst company that has an inclusive model of Community tourism sector has a signiÀcant direct deliberately set out to adapt African impact on our natural resources and based Tourism, i.e. involving conservation tourism approaches local community in running and environmentally sustainable tourism, in India entailing a full appreciation or ecotourism, could be a pertinent management of small tourism and substantial adaptation between projects. Such an approach would tool in achieving a Àne balance countries with different cultures, between creating economic growths not only encourage respect for local traditions and institutions. They traditions, culture and natural heritage and preserving natural capital. brought in funding coupled with To achieve this balance, government but also provide additional livelihood unique expertise to translocate opportunities for the local youth. needs to collaborate with the private endangered species, including 50 sector for the development of While community based tourism is Indian gaurs (Indian Bison) and seven closely linked to ecotourism, it offers tourism infrastructure by provision swamp deer, to assist in conservation of Àscal as well as non-Àscal a more concrete concept by stating efforts by the Madhya Pradesh Forest the type and degree of participation  February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story and involvement for local people, rejuvenated but also lead to cultural cities and states. and the associated costs. It is a more enrichment and spiritual elevation. people-centered, community- oriented Therefore, the vast un-tapped It is an undisputed fact that over the and resource–based than ecotourism. rural tourism potential of Sikkim was years, Indian tourism industry has harnessed to create a multiplier emerged as one of the key drivers The idea behind the community– beneÀt, directly beneÀtting the rural of economic growth. It is a sun rise based approach is to create potential communities. Some of the villages industry, an employment generator, for empowering the community, of Sikkim; Kewzing, Hee-Bermoik, a signiÀcant source of foreign enhancing their involvement in Yoksum, Lachen, Tumin, Pastanga, exchange for the country and an decision making and ensure that the Tinchim, Lunchok, Maniram, Rong, economic activity that helps local will and incentive to participate come Jaubari, Darap have already taken up and host communities. ‘Brand India’ from the community itself. Local lead in home stay facilities for the has emerged as product which is people must be able to control and tourists. unparalleled in its beauty, uniqueness, manage productive resources in the rich culture and history both interest of their own families and the Lastly, states must focus on internationally as well as in the community. implementing ‘Smart Tourism’ domestic market. strategy customized for each state. Therefore, it is also important that a One of the most prominent elements Rising income levels and changing responsible proportion of tourism of such a strategy would be lifestyles, development of diverse revenues are enjoyed by the identiÀcation of key tourism circuits tourism offerings and policy and reg- community in one way or another. across the state basis discussions ulatory support by the government Provision of additional training with key stakeholders such as state are playing a pivotal role in shaping institutes, enhancing capacity of governments, local travel trade the travel and tourism sector in India. existing ones along with introduction partners etc. One of the most However, the sector is facing chal- of short term courses providing successful examples of such an lenges such as lack of good quality speciÀc skills directed at hospitality approach is Rann Utsav in Gujarat, tourism infrastructure, global con- and travel trade sector employees an exemplary initiative promoting cerns regarding health and safety of may be required for catering to state based tourism. To make such tourists, disparate passenger/road tax the increased manpower and skill state led initiatives a success, various structures across various states and requirements. Development of basis infrastructural gaps pertaining to shortfall of adequately trained and skill sets for casual workers especially sustainable design need to be skilled manpower. those in the travel trade segment identiÀed, such as creation of waste The immense potential of this are required. Rural youth may be facilities, which is also recommended sector can be harnessed through provided vocational training through around accommodation options in collaborative efforts between the special institutes to provide them around protected areas. This can government, the private sector and employment opportunities go a long way in preserving the nat- local communities. There are number One of the most successful ural capital of the area along with of initiatives being taken in this examples of community based spurring tourism growth. direction but at the same time concerted efforts need to be made to tourism in India is Sikkim where Additionally, the state governments accelerate the growth of the sector. such a practice has emerged as a need to focus on both inter as well as There is an abundance and variety of responsible and sustainable tourism intra-state connectivity. Improvement tourist attractions in our diversiÀed product to meet critical social of regional connectivity is the need nation. objectives through people’s of the hour. The suggested steps participation. This can be a more could be launch of the proposed high Indeed time is now right to identify, effective tool in boosting the overall speed passenger trains, constructing package and market newer tourism scenario of Sikkim as its new and improving existing rural destinations, experiences thereby rural hinterlands are endowed with roads, identifying air strips to be ensuring adequacy of carrying fabulous natural beauty, serene converted into small commercial capacity and exponential growth in environment, heritage sites and airports, converting existing domestic tourism. unique cultural Áavor. airports into international airports and setting up heliports in select key By Preeti Sinha & Nayani Nasa, The endorsement of such a model Ms. Preeti Sinha, Senior President and states which experience more for- would not only ensure that th Global Convener, YES Institute, and her eign tourist inÁow. Inland waterways tourists get a glimpse of rural Sikkim, team-mate Nayani Nasa, Fellow, familiarize with unique village culture can be another area to explore for YES Institute. and heritage so that they are mentally improving the connectivity between Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story Tourism Infrastructure in Maharashtra By Ananya Prem Nath

ourism is now well recognized as a Tmajor growth engine. Several countries have tranformed their economies by developing their tourism potential. Tourism has great capacity to create large- scale employment – from the most specialized to the unskilled.

The Indian economy is undergoing a major transformation. With an annual growth of eight percent, India has become the second most favoured destination for foreign direct investment. As an economic activity in the service sector, tourism also has with semi-evergreen and deciduous Singapore and Switzerland. enormous potential for contributing forests. The Vidarbha region of Maharashtra: to economic growth. Maharashtra, with its dense forests, is The rapid growth in domestic home to several wild life sanctuaries tourism can be attributed to the ever Tourism has the potential to change and nature parks. Thus all the increasing middle class, increase the economic face of a region. three regions of Maharashtra offer in disposable income, improved Promotion of tourism would bring considerable tourism potential. facilities, stress on urban families, many direct and indirect beneÀts Maharashtra abounds in numerous improved connectivity to tourist to the people. Some of the direct tourist attractions ranging from destinations, etc. Not all foreign beneÀts accruing to the local ancient cave temples, unspoiled tourists visiting Mumbai visit community of a region as a result of beaches, ancient forts and Maharashtra. Some of these foreign tourism development are : monuments, forests and wildlife, tourists come to Mumbai as an entry unique hill stations, pilgrimage point to India and proceed to various ‡ Employment opportunities in centres, and a rich tradition of other states. There is need and tourism and hospitality sector festivals, art and culture. scope to attract these visitors into ‡ Development of private enterprise Maharashtra to the various tourist Tourism trends destinations in our State. ‡ Improved standard of living India : ‡ Social upliftment and improved The growth of tourism in India Action Plan for the Next quality of life has been rapid in the last Àve years Five Year. despite a late start. Tourist arrivals The following action plan will be ‡ Better education and training have gone up by more than 25% and implemented in the next Àve years to ‡ Sustainable environmental practices foreign exchange earnings has jumped achieve the above objectives and the by 40%. The World Travel & Tourism long-term vision for 2025. ‡ Foreign exchange earning Council has rated India as one of the Àve fastest growing tourism Tourism Potential in 1. Development of economies in the world. The survey infrastructure at tourist Maharashtra conducted by “” has Maharashtra is the third largest State destinations : also supported this view. The rich Various tourism facilities such as of India, both in area and population. heritage, trade, culture, history and It is located on the West Coast of accommodation facilities, eateries, growing economy have become toilets, information centres, etc. India with a 720 km long coastline major attractions for the tourists. The along the lush green Konkan region. would be developed at all destinations. survey conducted by “Conde Nast For this, the incentive policy Nestled in the Western Ghats and the Traveller” came out with the Ànding Sahyadri mountain range are several proposed will encourage private that India is preferred to many other partnership in tourism related hill stations and water reservoirs tourist destinations like France,

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story activities and infrastructure 6. World Heritage Sites : PUBLIC - PRIVATE - development. Access to weekend Conservation and tourism PARTNERSHIP FOR destinations (hill-stations, beaches, development of three heritage sites DEVELOPMENT OF etc.) near major cities in Maharashtra (Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta) are TOURISM would be given preference. covered under external funding. Special attention will be given to DESTINATIONS 2. Accessibility to tourism the newly declared site - Chatrapati It is essential to attract investment in destinations and wayside Shivaji Terminus. A detailed the tourism sector in order to upgrade conservation and tourism plan will infrastructure facilities as well as to amenities: market tourism destinations. Many Approach roads would be identiÀed be prepared to showcase it as one of tourist destinations all over the to various tourist destinations in Mumbai’s tourist attractions. world have been privatized and Maharashtra. The roads would be are running successfully. This assessed for suitability (carrying 7. Cultural Tourism : model of PPP should be suitably capacity, quality, etc.) and would be Distinctive aspects of Maharashtra’s applied to tourist destinations in considered for further development. rich culture and tradition would Maharashtra. In addition, rail linkages and air be identiÀed and promoted as an connectivity to important tourism integral part of Maharashtra’s The privatization policy will help destination must be strengthened by tourism. Identify and promote the tourism in the following respects - co-ordination with the concerned State’s folk arts and organize folk departments and Ministries. dance and music programmes at tourist destinations. a) It will develop the destination as a tourist centre and provide necessary 3. Development Control amenities; Regulation at destinations : 8. Application of ‘Development Control Regulations’ Information Technology b) It will help to preserve our would be prepared to work as for Tourism : heritage and culture which require guidelines for development at Effective utilisation of the website/ considerable resources. and around important tourism portal for tourism promotion of destinations/ areas. Maharashtra in India and abroad c) The private investor will work to would be ensured. Online advertising promote the destination in order to 4. Recreational facilities material would be prepared by MTDC recover his investment. This will at destinations: and posted on the portal. Online boost marketing of the destinations in Entertainment facilities such as bookings for the Deccan Odyssey as Maharashtra. children’s sports, horse rides, light and well as for all MTDC resorts will be sound shows (based on feasibility) operationalised. will be arranged at selected destinations. Providing recreation and entertainment at tourism destinations can convert day tourists into staying tourists. 5. Public-Private- Partnership : SpeciÀc destinations and monuments would be identiÀed where public- private partnership is possible. Conservation plans would be prepared for the identiÀed monuments. The concept of Public Private partnership would also be applied to the development of resorts at select destinations and for the organization of festivals.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story

tried innovative ways through PPP model to handle the tourists.

We appreciate the work of Maharashtra towards development of infrastructure. I have been discussing with the Surface Transport Ministry for the development of wayside amenities like that of toilet, refreshments, and similar infrastructure to boost the tourism.”

We can encourage formulation of tourism cooperative society at the important tourism centres and locations. This will involve all stakeholders of tourism sector. The special ofÀcers will be deputed who will concentrate on providing security MUMBAI TOURISM (c) A Mumbai Haat will be set up for visitors and will be visible in Mumbai being the Ànancial capital along the lines of the Delhi Haat tourist areas. We have taken initiative of the country and the biggest to promote local, arts, crafts and for having separate budget head for business centre, it naturally attracts cuisines. creating awareness among localities a large number of visitors all year. about pros and cons of tourism Mumbai receives about 35% of the (d) A well equipped Convention so that development is socially foreign tourist arrivals in India. It Centre in Mumbai. sustainable. State will establish is also estimated that about 70% the code of conduct for safe and of tourists from the South-East (e) Festivals and cultural events honorable tourism. Asian countries regard Mumbai as a will be organized and supported by gateway city while visiting India. Maharashtra Tourism.

Mumbai’s glamour and glitter, (f) The concept of Medical Tourism shopping plazas and malls, the will be developed and marketed at indomitable spirit of its people international tourism fora. and the large number of interesting places in Mumbai, make it a (g) The total star room capacity destination of choice. available in Mumbai is 9100 rooms which is quite inadequate. There is Apart from the existing tourist attrac- an acute shortage of 3 star, 4 star and tions in Mumbai, efforts will be made budget hotels. to create additional tourist attractions as follows :- (h) The Govt. will encourage hotels in this category by devising a package of (a) The concept of “Bollywood incentives. Tourism” will be developed as this forms a great attraction for tourists (i) Shopping festivals in Mumbai. coming to Mumbai. Maharashtra has already been (b) Night Cruises will be promoted declared safest state and Mumbai is along the illuminated coastline of the safest city in the country. Tourism Mumbai, Water sport facilities by day police were trained and deployed by could be another attraction. state 7 to 8 years back at important tourist centres and monuments. Yet, especially Mumbai police has always

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Cover Story

Sustainable Smart City through Secured Governance Mr. Jimmy Delshad

Introduction of Smart Cities Advanced technology has given the gainst the background of economic and technological changes caused world new dimensions; globally, Aby the globalization and the integration process, cities in developed and citizens are becoming technology- developing nations face the challenge of combining competitiveness and oriented in every aspect concerning sustainable urban development simultaneously. Very evidently, this challenge is their comfort, convenience and likely to have an impact on issues of Urban Quality such as housing, secured safety. Technology support has economy, culture, social security and safety in environmental conditions.“Smart become an essential factor for City” is a broad concept for urban development strategies involving the growth of a smart city and its multiple policy areas, cross – sectorial business Àelds and collaboration between citizens. The use of innovative different public and private agents. Now days the society is more organized, information and communications smart and the information is situated in the center of it. For sustainable growth technology (ICT) applications, smart of society is essential to use efÀciently the modern technology and natural phones and smart Àxtures are all resources. part of the process of making smart citizens. The ICT platform is the A smart city connects people with their environment and city to create more best tool to bridge the current gap efÀcient and optimal relationships between available resources, technology, between the government and citizens. community services, and events in the urban fabric. This connection is a tool This platform will make the that links the implementation of the smart city and the advanced technology. system more transparent and act as an Most developed cities ensure that citizens participate in every aspect, from interactive forum between citizens cleaning to safety requirements. and the Government.

Citizen participation ensures citizen satisfaction, which in turn ensures Increased urbanization will give maximum efÀciency of the modern technology. increased problems for cities in terms of infrastructure, their ability to meet existing environmental targets and also on their ability to attract new residents and companies, which bring wealth and prosperity to a city. Key Challenges in Implementing Smart City Projects: 9 SpeciÀc digitization framework; 9 Huge fund required for various infrastructure development; 9 Sustainable smart cities need more skilled workforce; 9 Acquiring land is a major hurdle for smart city projects; 9 Collaboration among different stakeholders.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Cover Story Notable Experience in concept recommends that the Àrst Persian Jew to be elected India governments should come up with as president of Sinai Temple, Los I have visited India and met development programs which will Angeles.In 2003 he was elected to Dr. P. Sekhar in the year 2012. On openup the rural areas or wastelands the Beverly Hills city council, and those days I have discussed about so that there will be an even spread became mayor in March 27th, smart city development in developed of demand in the real estate property 2007. The Mayor took ofÀce and and developing countries. It was most across the country. Secured announced his main ambition of notable experience and understand Governance presents a making Beverly Hills “safest and his contribution towards creation developmental model for the smartest” community in America. of unique development mechanism smart city whereby they it can take Again on March 16th, 2010, for national development “Secured advantage of the incentive Floor Delshad began his second one-year Governance”. Secured Governance Space Index (FSI) provided to term as mayor of Beverly Hills. with Techno – Economic Corridor it in addition to the value and Jimmy’s long years of community will help in boosting the economic valuation of the infrastructure to service have been honoured by his peers, growth not only for developing yield higher returns. This valuation of including: nations but also with help extensively infrastructure, which grows many in developed countries. folds, will support infrastructure ‡ “Man of the Year” (1990) from development, ensuring balanced Sinai Temple; As former Mayor of Beverly Hills, growth.Once an area is developed, USA I have developed “The Smart the value of the remaining land ‡ “Burning Bush” (1991) from the City” initiative to make Beverly Hills rises and the government can Jewish Federations of Men’s Club; the safest and Smart City by using optimizevalue and valuation of the the latest Technologies such as Smart infrastructure to yield higher returns. ‡ “Conservative Judaism Surveillance Cameras, Smart TrafÀc A portion of the developed land is Leadership” (1999) from Masorti/ Lights, Smart Sprinklers, Smart Water used to Ànance the cost of providing Schechter Institute Meters and Parking Meters, Installed infrastructure. Fiber Optics throughout the city, installed Automatic License Plate A Smart City will be a Áourishing By Jimmy Delshad, readers to apprehend criminals, safest city that is efÀcient and Former Mayor of Beverly Hills, installed new interoperable productive, with citizens who are California, USA communication devises and created experiencing convenience and have a new Disaster Management Centre. abundance of opportunities to build And strongly believe contribution of and grow their intellectual, network, Dr.P. Sekhar and MTGF on Secured and Ànancial capacities. A city is a Governance and Security Books will reÁection of how its citizens perceive deÀnitely help in promoting and it, and a smart city actually is how widening the scope of such a city behaves as an innovative infrastructure development projects ecosystem. Allowing citizens to across the globe. become active in the process of city design and building enabling “Secured Governance offers a strategy ‘bottom-up’ innovation and for the government to get all the collaborative ways of developing basic infrastructure development systems out of many loosely-joined with a negligible investment by the parts will help in implementing the Government. It is a concept of Smart City Mission successfully. developing Techno Economic Corridors connecting hubs which will 3URÀOHRI -LPP\'HOVKDG act as growth centre for individual Jimmy Delshad Born in Shiraz, Iran sectors. and studied at the University of Minnesota and received his bachelor’s As per Secured Governance concept degree from California State infrastructure development attracts University, Northridge. He embarked more investors and speculators, as a on a career in Computer Technology resultdemand is high hence pushing in 1965 and started a technology the realty prices higher. This company in 1978. In 1990 he became

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Tourism Experience Dr. Anjali Deshpande Experience

Dr. Anjali Deshpande

uring December 2016 I and divers are taking us through with a high risk on their experience (which is Dmy family had planned for a non-technical) short break to Devbag, Malwan and Ganpatipule. We have started by Rajja Govt interface will deÀnitely help the localities’ to generate employment and Rani Express from Thane and Got moreover money in an organized manner. While Talking to Tandel kaka (home down at Kudal next morning. We stay guy) he said last 5-6year youth has stayed back in the town itself as lot of hired a private taxi to Devbag, after earning opportunities are there locally instead of migrating to Mumbai/Pune travelling for almost 80min through for employment. bad roads reached the pristine beach called Devbag. We have decided to I have attached certain photos also which will be helpful in justifying my stay with Tandel Family as Home experience. stay. You will Ànd home stay and restaurants in almost every other house on the way. Tandel Family has 2 AC and 2 Non ac rooms. Which were clean, breezy and good as it is very much on the beach with lazy swings under the coconut trees. No mobile network and no sonic sounds too... We enjoyed 1. Bird watching – Seagulls other migratory birds 2. Dolphin watching 3. Scuba divining at Devbag 4. Other water sports like Jet ski, Banana boat, parasailing at Tsunami Island 5. Visited Sindhudurg which is in very bad shape today 6. Also visited MTDC at Ganpatipule – it’s very much crowded but no doubt very beautiful

Our experience at Devbag was refreshing and relaxing too. Currently Govt is not doing much for developing tourism in an organized way hence these mushroom home stays and water sports and scuba

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Tourism Experience Tourism Experience Alibaug Naveen & Mangesh Positive You can enjoy the beach fully over here. It even includes the water sports like paragliding, banana ride, jetski etc. You can even visit fort which has the pecularity that only during low tide you can visit that fort, as it is located inside the sea.

Negative As the no. Of tourist are increasing day by day beaches needs to kept clean by govt which will beneÀt in encouraging more and more tourist Fort which is in sea needs to take care of it a lot, govt is not at all giving any attention towards it. Jeevdhan killa Positive Best for trekkers. With dense forest it would be adventurous too. It will be a treat for wild life lovers if ever they visited this place. When you reach the top most part you will be like u r out of this world. Its like a u are now in the heaven.

Negative If u are visiting for the Àrst time it will be too confusing. Coz their are no sign boards U can easily get lost in the dense forest. Fort condition is not maintained well.

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Tourism Experience

Naneghat Positive Negative Beautiful nature. Like every ghats as of dense forest and no sign boards u Ancient times water tanks are still preserved in that place. their are more chances to get lost. Tankers are made up of single rock of the mountain. Still the tankers are available and water is too stored in Easily capable of having 10000litres of water capacity. that....but it is beneÀted by the govt or local public.

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall near Gorai, North-west of Mumbai, India. Positive Negative Easy to reach. Entry is free so chances of attracting huge crowd and this Well crafted with modern Technology.. may defeat the sole purpose of its that is peace. Asia’s largest meditation dome. The maintenance is done solely on donation collected. Peace and Serene. This may cause challenges to maintain the beautiful Ideal place to spend peaceful evening. monument. They offer a day vipassana course.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Tourism Experience TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE Dr. Bhushan Jadhav Chairman: International Youth Welfare Committee of TRANS ASIAN Dr. Bhushan Jadhav CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (TACCI) & Political Analyst, Author, Foreign Affairs, Socioeconomics.

ourism brings more employment receiving country to purchase goods to the proper operating of economy Topportunities. Employment in and service from elsewhere in the and society. Nowadays, the trend the tourist industry forms part of world. With more tourists visiting, in the hotel industry is to build service sector of an economy. With there will be higher demand or need green hotels and zero carbon hotels, the growth in tourist arrival, there is to develop the tourism infrastructure. especially in Europe and Asia. great demand for more tourist related Developing the tourism Technological changes have enabled jobs to cater to the needs of the infrastructure means to construct the use of new materials, these tourist. Hence the tourism industry of transport and communication hotels being built mainly from offers many employment networks, electrical frameworks recycled materials. Once the opportunities such as workers in and systems for water disposal. To construction is completed, the focus hotels, , transport vehicles, develop the roads that link airports, is on reducing greenhouse gas shops and tour agencies to support cities and tourists sites allow tourists emissions, water and electricity the increase tourist arrival. Tourism access to local attractions. Allowing consumption. Any green hotel has to brings positive economic impacts as local population better access to more take into account any possibility of it creates more jobs in the industry. markets, health care, education and using alternative energy sources. The jobs. Developing infrastructure also technological evolution has brought Tourism roughly provides 9% to creates employment for local workers with it solar photovoltaic or passive 10% of all jobs in the world. Tourism as many workers are needed during water heating systems, waste to brings positive economic impacts as it the construction process. energy transformation systems, creates more jobs in the industry and but also the possibility of using therefore improving the country’s Local materials may be used in geothermal energy, wind energy or economy as a whole. Many countries construction infrastructure. Sports marine energy. that host large numbers of tourists venues and other infrastructure will receive considerable tourism are built for major sporting events The building’s energy efÀciency business investments from the other such as the Olympic Games and the is also determined by the heating, countries. For example Singapore world cup. Such venues improve the ventilation and air conditioning plays host to many international hotel sporting infrastructure of the host system. For example, as technology chains which invest in building and countries. They are also useful even advanced, heat pump systems or furnishing hotels and resorts, and after the key event. Therefore, CHP (Combined Heat and Power) training staff at tourist destinations. developing infrastructure to enhance systems, which are more efÀcient Hence many hotels operating in tourism also brings beneÀt to the than conventional boilers, have been Singapore, they exchange their own locals and all these increased developed. A hotel’s lighting system currency to purchase Singapore spending in the local economy is responsible for almost 20-25% of dollars in order to make their encourages economic growth. the building’s energy consumption.2 investments. This increases the Therefore, the development of demand for Singapore dollars and Tourism infrastructure is a motion detectors and timers contributes to Singapore’s capital component of regional touristic constituted another milestone in inÁow. Thus, increase foreign product. Infrastructure is comprised terms of hotels’ energy efÀciency. exchange is one of the positive of basic devices, buildings and service For an efÀcient use of water, an economic impacts as it allows the institutions, whose existence is crucial important role is played by

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Tourism Experience wastewater recycling systems companies currently largely adopt industry through the advent and (particularly in regions where water the tools of Social Media in order development of mobile phones. is an expensive resource), rainwater to demonstrate the quality of the The quick upward trend of collecting systems or sensors used products and services they offer. The mobile phones, both in terms to reduce water consumption. In recent expansion of Social Media of coverage and development of the current economic context, and fundamentally changes the way smartphones, together with changing focusing on the ecology trend, the tourists seek for travel information, living standards determine a constant tourism infrastructure is continuously but also the way different destina- growth in the number of world- marked by the use of the terms tions and accommodation units are wide smartphones; therefore, an “reconversion” or “recycling” of presented. Moreover, this facilitates important role is played by dedicated buildings. Old buildings, with a the interaction and even the mobile applications. More and more different original destination, are collaboration between tourists applications are being developed, converted into hotels. This is the and tourism products and services facilitating the direct booking process case of historical or even industrial suppliers through social networks on mobile phones, whether it is a buildings that, once turned into or blogs. Social networks (the hotel reservation, Áight booking (in hotels (usually boutique hotels), offer best-known of these is currently this case, by switching to e-tickets, unique and unprecedented customer Face book) bring real-time access to there have been developed special services. Building recycling not only information offered directly by mobile applications that ease the allows reusing buildings that no tourism products and se vices check-in process by simply scanning longer fulÀll their original functions suppliers, but also the possibility the reservation code at the special and cannot be demolished (such to interact with a large number of devices in the airport), various shows as historical buildings), but also people who have already experienced or restaurant reservations or even eliminates the negative environmental that product or service. For tourism booking of travel packages. impact caused by a new construction companies, social networks represent (waste, greenhouse gas release, use a means of networking with potential The applications are being developed of building materials which can be clients and, more important, a either as generic applications, which harmful for the environment etc.) custom tool of quick and mass include products and services of Tourism contribution, to both the promotion of the offer. This way, several tourism companies, or Gross World Product formation companies also make a selection of ofÀcial applications launched by and global employment level, clients – the use of social networks travel agencies, hotels or airlines, transforms it into one of the corresponds to a particular tourist strictly for products and services global economy’s most important proÀle (the educated, informed offered by each of them. The tourism and dynamic components. Over time, tourist, with a certain level of industry is the sector that is technological changes have strongly income). A new concept aiming to constantly developing and marking inÁuenced the development of this become more and more popular the fastest growth worldwide. Despite sector, permanently revolutionizing in the tourism industry is that of, the current global economic crisis’ the way touristic experience is “gamiÀcation “or the integration of effects, tourism is the only economic perceived. Starting with the game-speciÀc dynamics into static sector to have currently returned to development of air transport and environments in order to draw the the values recorded before its onset, continuing with the way hotels and attention on the brand and to gain the evidence of the industry’s high restaurants are built and with the loyalty of clients. Such an example degree of adaptability to changes in innovative electronic devices used would be Cape Town, which already the economic environment. Over to streamline their economic activity took the Àrst steps in the time, the tourism industry has been and to improve their guests’ “gamiÀcation“ process for South inÁuenced by various economic, experience, the evolution of Africa, by integrating an interactive political, social or technological technology has continuously offered game on its Facebook page; this factors. However, the technological new perspectives to tourism. intends to attract tourists and to factor is the one that particularly present the destination in a more contributed to the evolution of this Nowadays, the world’s fastest dynamic way. It is estimated that sector, fundamentally changing the growing industry is marked by a more and more destinations perception of tourism products and transition from the ofÁine to the and tourism companies will use services. online environment, which makes it interactive games in their Web even more competitive and capable pages, blogs or social networks. The technological evolution has of offering outstanding and unique The technological progress has also primarily facilitated the access to experiences to tourists. Tourism strongly inÁuenced the tourism numerous tourist destinations, the

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Tourism Experience

key point being the use of aircrafts development. Knowing the generating additional economic to transport passengers to previously potentiality of tourism sector, as activity from available resources. hard-to-reach or even unreachable a strategy for poverty alleviation, Having recognized the importance regions. Regarding tourism-speciÀc many countries have reviewed their of infrastructure in tourism infrastructure and mostly the policy to cope with the dynamism development, Many government accommodation units’ construction of the tourism industry. The overall has spelt out various infrastructure phase, technological changes have objective is to assist in efforts to strategies targeted for investment allowed the use of new construc- promote the economy and livelihood such as roads, airports, utilities, as tion materials (focus is currently on of the people, essentially poverty a prerequisite to investment in the the use of recycled materials) and alleviation through encouraging the touism superstructure of hotels, systems that help reducing water and development of sustainable and lodges, camps, etc.Hence to create electricity consumption, these being quality tourism that is culturally greater awareness of tourism source meant to streamline the activity and and socially acceptable, ecologically markets; Expand tourism products; to follow the lines of a new trend, friendly. According to this policy, it Securing a more competitive position that of a sustainable development. spells out that the private sector plays and to Maximize the necessary Moreover, the constant development a major role in the tourism industry’s service skills it is necessary to of technology has made possible development, with the Government Establish infrastructure for the the construction of accommodation playing the catalytic role of providing overall development of tourism. units in previously hard to imagine and improving the infrastructure as places (for example, those on artiÀcial well as providing a conducive climate islands built on sea or in the ocean) for investment. It is recognized that Dr. Bhushan Jadhav and, last but not least, original shapes the private sector will play a Chairman: International Youth of buildings. With the development major role in the tourist industry Welfare Committee of TRANS of the infrastructure and, therefore, development, with the government the innovations in this regard, playing the catalytic role of providing ASIAN CHAMBER OF the tourist experience gained new and improving the infrastructure as COMMERCE & INDUSTRY dimensions and will move more and well as providing a conducive climate (TACCI) & Political Analyst, more from the ofÁine to the online for investment. The primary focus Author, Foreign Affairs, environment. The global spread of of this plan is to obtain sustainable Socioeconomics. the Internet and the increasing degree beneÀts for the local people by of its use, the development of speciÀc applications, the increasing popularity of online travel agencies and the emergence of virtual tourism are just some of the current trends that Àt perfectly into the concept of “online tourism”. Technological progress currently tends not only to facilitate and streamline tourism employees’ activity and to increase the level of comfort felt by tourists during their holidays, but also to automatize an important part of the tourism industry. This seems to lead to robotics, the numerous technological devices that are constantly evolving already being able to replace a large number of employees, especially in the hotel sector.

Many countries have adopted a Tourism policy to provide the overall objectives and strategies necessary to ensure sustainable tourism

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Global Trade Global Trade and Investment Trends Dr. Prakash Hebalkar

his column focuses on trends in Automation, of course, has The impact of technology extends Tglobal trade and investments in revolutionized many industries, from well beyond the wellhead. the past month. This month’s focus is auto manufacturing to food and Automation-related jobs for software on Jobs and in particular: automation, clothing makers. Energy companies, specialists and data technicians are in tax based measures and skilling. which rely on large, complex demand as the oil industry recovers, equipment for drilling and said Janette Marx, chief operating Creeping automation is very much maintaining oil wells, are particularly ofÀcer of Airswift, an oilÀeld recruiter. in active discussion as President well-positioned to beneÀt, says She sees explorers and service Trump thumps the desk with Dennis Yang, chief executive ofÀcer companies being much more his proclamations on increasing of Udemy, a company in San methodical and selective in their American jobs. Here is an example: Francisco that trains workers whose hiring this time around. careers were derailed by advanced The robot on an oil drillship in the machinery “To me, it’s not just about Gulf of Mexico made it easier for automating the rig, it’s about Mark Rodgers to do his job stringing Shale oil jobs are one kind of automating everything upstream together heavy, dirty pipes. It could employment growth Trump has of the rig,” says Ahmed Hashmi, also be a reason he’s not working talked about. So here is a view head of upstream technology for BP there today. on those: Plc. “The biggest thing will be the …..Yet Trump is seen as the great systems.” The Iron Roughneck, made by hope for more shale-job creation than National OilwellVarco Inc., ever before, says Jay Colquitt, founder That means an engineer can design an automates the repetitive and of OilÀeldTrash.com, an online news oil well at his desk. With the press of dangerous task of connecting portal catering to oilÀeld workers. a button, an automated system would hundreds of segments of drill pipe As more federal lands open up for identify the equipment needed from as they’re shoved through miles of drilling, the jobs will follow, he adds. a supplier, create a 3D model and ocean water and oil-bearing rock. send instructions for building it out The machine has also cut to two “Even though modern technology into the Àeld, Hashmi says. “That is from three the need for roustabouts, is great, you can’t eliminate the automation.” estimates Rodgers, who took a job person,” says Rodgers. “To make sure it repairing appliances after being laid never fails, you’ve got to have Source: Idem off from Transocean Ltd. somebody there watching it, to verify it.” For the @MakeInIndia campaign, “I’d love to go back offshore,” he taxation can be a strong driver in an says. Rigs have gotten so much more otherwise large consumer market efÀcient that the shale industry can that would be more concerned The odds are against him. As the use about half as many as it did at the about price, features, quality and global oil industry begins to climb height of the boom in 2014 to suck dependability, as also serviceability out of a collapse that took 440,000 the same amount of oil out of the than place of manufacture. Here jobs, anywhere from a third to half ground, says Angie Sedita, an analyst is a diagrammatic representation may never come back. A combination at UBS Corp. of a proposed taxationsystem to of more efÀcient drilling rigs and promote MakeInUSA, called increased automation is reducing the Nabors Industries, the world’s Destination Based Cash Flow need for Àeld hands. largest onshore driller, says it Taxation or DBCFT that may expects to cut the number provoke thought about our own And therein lies a warning to of workers at each well site taxation system as explained by Prof. President Donald Trump, who has HYHQWXDOO\ WR DERXW ÀYH IURP  Allisons Christians of @taxpolblog: predicted a Áood of new energy- by deploying more automated sector jobs under his watch. drilling rigs.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Global Trade

The House Republicans are strongly pushing for this scheme although Trump thinks it is too complex.

The border adjustment is a core piece of the House GOP tax plan released last June. It would generate about $1 trillion over a decade, signiÀcantly offsetting the cost of cutting the corporate tax rate from 35% to 20%, according to several independent analyses. Mr. Trump’s plan calls for a 15% corporate-tax rate.

“If you take out the border adjustment, you have to really think about an entirely different reform,” said Kyle Pomerleau, director of federal projects at the Tax Foundation, a conservative leaning group in Washington.

House Republicans are banking on the border adjustment to solve If that last sentence raises eyebrows at the Ministry of Finance, it would not several policy goals. By basing be surprising as it brings up fears of BEPS – another worry of MNC taxation! WD[DWLRQ RQ WKH ORFDWLRQ RI  ÀQDO sales-not where a company has its The third development in this piece relates to aircraft leasing at one level but investment, intellectual property creative job-creation and industry-building in the services sector at a higher or headquarters-they aim to level(#NationalSkillIndia3 ) curb corporate tax-avoidance techniques such as inversions and The Ànancing and leasing of aircraft is a peculiarly Irish business. Its origins shifting of income to offshore tax in the 1970s were as a way for Aer Lingus, the country’s Áag-carrier, to exploit havens. its planes during the lean winter seasons. Previously, airlines owned all their aircraft. Leasing allows them to Ànance rapid expansion or contraction of their Under the plan, companies wouldn’t Áeets without taking on debt. Only 2% of aircraft were leased in 1980. Now be able to deduct the cost of goods over 40% are. they import, but wouldn’t have to in- clude the revenue from exports when For a country of under 5m people, Ireland has made a global success calculating their income. story of leasing. Irish Àrms manage in excess of 5,000 commercial aircraft, worth over $130bn, accounting for half of all leased planes and a quarter of Companies have been trying to Àgure the Áeet globally. Although Irish lessors were once chieÁy thought to be used by out since the election how the struggling African airlines unable to get bank loans, says Peter Barrett, the boss border adjustment would affect them. of SMBC Aviation Capital, now virtually everyone leases planes. The more they rely on imports-either parts or Ànished goods-the more Although Ireland’s Àrst lessor, Guinness Peat Aviation (GPA), collapsed vulnerable they are if the dollar in 1993, Ireland has remained the industry’s global hub. All but one of the doesn’t appreciate as smoothly as the world’s 15 largest aircraft lessors have operations there. Patrick Blaney, a former economists project. boss of GPA, cites a number of big attractions. Dublin has a ready supply of workers already trained to manage and Ànance aircraft. It is home to the In the long run, Republicans say, international registrar of aircraft that enables owners to gain swift repossession their plan would give companies of their aircraft if an airline defaults on lease payments. And Ireland’s incentives to locate jobs and low-tax regime leavens the industry’s otherwise wafer-thin margins. Ireland’s production in the U.S. as a way to low corporate-tax rate of 12.5%, generous capital allowances and vast network avoid foreign corporate income of double-taxation treaties all offer further help. taxes.  February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Maha Paryatan Infrastructure in Maharashtra : By MTDC

nfrastructural development is Maharashtra is situated the north The total road length maintained by Inecessary to stimulate the centre of Indian peninsula is PWD and zilla parisahds (excluding development of tourism. It bordered by the states of Karnataka, internal road length maintained by predominantly serves the residential Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and local bodies) at the end of March population but is also shared by Andhra Pradesh. Mumbai is the 2014 was 2.64 lakh km. tourists and is essential fortourism capital of Maharashtra, which derives development. Infrastructure consists its name from the Goddess Mumba Out of this 2.64 lakh km of roads of all the underground and surface Devi. including national highways development construction of a maintained by the state, the surfaced region. It comprises transportation The coastal strip along the Arabian road length was 2.33 lakh km (88.5%). terminals (railway lines, parking, air Sea, Áanked by the hills called As on 31 March 2014 more than Àelds and harbors), communication Western Ghats on the east is a 99% villages were connected by all- net-works, street highways, and culturally distinct region called weather roads. However, in all, 250 health care facilities, security-systems, Konkan. Commercially, Mumbai, villages in the state did not have road besides public utilities such as water Pune and Nagpur are the best- connectivity. system, power sources and sewage developed cities. A visit to disposal. It is one way in which the Maharashtra will be an enigma for lot During 2013-14, an outlay of public sector creates a climate of tourist where they would get the Rs. 4,450 crore was approved for the conductive for tourism development. opportunity to experience a range of road sector and an expenditure of emotions. Rs. 3,108 crore was incurred. The The infrastructure “is a condition primary objective of Pradhan Mantri of all activities in tourism and has to From the breathtakingly fast life of Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is precede the superstructure,” which Mumbai to the more serene interiors toprovide all-weather roads to the consists passenger trafÀc terminals, the state of Maharashtra should be un-connected habitations in the rural shopping facilities etc. The provision on every travelers go to list. areas with a population of 500 and of infrastructure normally extends above. A target of 24,439 km of over a wide area. It entails heavy With the active intervention of the road length for connecting 8,315 investments and capital outlay and central government, the state has lost habitations in the state has been set with a few exceptions, it is provided no time in dusting off long-dormant under PMGSY. by public authorities. The ind projects especially in its capital vidual facilities within tourist area, Mumbai which will give a boost to As against the target, 22,629 km of which comprise the superstructure in infrastructure. roads were created by connecting tourism, are commonly planned and 7,972 habitations up to 31 December provided by individual developers ‡ 5RDGQHWZRUNRI 2014. The cumulative road length of and operators. Airport building Maharashtra 22,629 km was constructed and 7,972 number of habitations connected (up terminals, port facilities, railway, The road network consists of to December 2014) under PMGSY bus and coach terminals, car parks national highways (NHs), major since inception in Maharashtra. are usually planned in conjunction state highways, state highways, major with the related infrastructure. Their district roads, other district roads, Maharashtra State Road location is of crucial importance in village roads and internal city roads. Development Corporation (MSRDC) tourism planning in order to avoid Road Development Plan 2001-21 is has completed 20 projects incurring congestion and environmental effects being implemented in the state with a an expenditure of Rs. 7,018 crore of tourism. target to develop 3.37 lakh km roads. Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Maha Paryatan

up to December 2014. The total toll villages and towns in Maharashtra, corridor shall be executed in the Àrst collected from the partially and fully the vehicle speeds are as low as 25-30 phase in three stages. completed projects up to December kmph. 2014 was Rs. 6,672 crore as against ‡ 6HDSRUWVLQ the total expenditure of Rs. 8,566 ‡ 5DLOZD\VQHWZRUNLQ crore. 0DKDUDVKWUD 0DKDUDVKWUD The state has 720 km long coastline The railway route length in the state ‡ 3XEOLFWUDQVSRUW with two major ports operated by as on 31 March 2014 was 6,103 km Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) and VHUYLFHLQ0DKDUDVKWUD (including 378km of Konkan railway) Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). On an average, Maharashtra State which is 9.3% of the total railway Both these two major ports are Road Transport Corporation route length of 65,808 km in the directly controlled and maintained by (MSRTC) carried 70.22 lakh country. The Àrst train in India ran the central government. passengers per day during 2013-14. between Mumbai and Thane on 16 Effective kms operated per day has April 1853. It was not only India’s but There are around 48 minor ports in increased by about 2.7% and the also the Asian continent’s Àrst train. Maharashtra. Most of these handle percentage load factor has decreased Rail transportation consists of the passenger trafÀc and have a limited by 2.2% points over the previous year. Central and the Western Railway capacity to handle cargoes. The The public transport is the major zones that are headquartered in non-major ports together handled mode of transport in cities. This Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji 148.96 lakh MT cargo trafÀc and facility is available in 23 cities in the Terminus (CST) and Churchgate 96.43 lakh passenger trafÀc during state. respectively. The Mumbai Rajdhani 2014-15 up to October. Express, the fastest train in India, While MSRTC provides local connects national capital New Delhi transport facility in seven cities to Mumbai. ‡$LUSRUWVLQ (Aurangabad, Nanded, Nashik, 0DKDUDVKWUD -Miraj, Ratnagiri, CST is the busiest railway station in There are three international and and -Virar-Nalasopara), the India serving as a terminal for both seven domestic airports in the BEST services ply in Mumbai Metro long-distance trains and commuter state. AAI along with the Mumbai catering to vast segments of trains of the Mumbai Suburban International Airport Ltd has population. Railway. Nanded division of undertaken a mega project to build South Central Railway comprises a new integrated terminal T2 for In Pune and - region. modernisation of Chhatrapati Shi- Municipal Corporation area the vaji International Airport (CSIA), PMPML operate government buses ‡0XPEDLVXEXUEDQ Mumbai. The new terminal T2 is a and in remaining 13 cities their state-of-the-art facility with a capacity respective local bodies are providing QHWZRUN to handle 40 million passengers per such facilities. Hired forms of Suburban rail network is the principal annum. transport include metered taxis and mode of mass transport in Mumbai. auto rickshaws, which ply speciÀc Two zonal railways, viz. Western The Multimodal International routes in cities. Railway (36 stations) and Central Passenger and Cargo Hub Airport at Railway (62 stations) operate Mumbai Nagpur (MIHAN) project comprises Other district roads and village roads suburban train services. The Harbour developing existing airport as an provide rural people accessibility line (38 stations) is part of the Central international passenger and cargo to meet their social needs as well as Railway. A Áeet of 205 local trains hub airport. This is being the means to transport agricultural (rakes) are utilized to run 2,813 train implemented through MIHAN India produce from villages to nearby services, carrying 80 lakh passengers Ltd (MIL), a joint venture company markets. Major district roads provide per day. Five metro rail corridors comprising of Maharashtra Airport a secondary function of linking have been Ànalized for development Development Company Limited between main roads and rural roads. in phases by CIDCO (City and (MADC) and AAI. Five airports -- Almost 99% of villages are connected Industrial Development Corporation Nanded, , Osmanabad, via the highways and modern roads in of Maharashtra) for the ambitious and Baramati -- were awarded to Maharashtra. Average speed on state Metro Rail. Reliance Airports Developers Private highways varies between 50-60 kmph Belapur - Pendhar - Kalamboli- Limited (RADPL) by MIDC to due to heavy presence of vehicles. In Khandeshwar - Navi Mumbai develop, upgrade, operate, manage International Airport (NMIA)

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Maha Paryatan and maintain for 95 years of lease in renewable sources) in the state as its villages have reaped the rewards November 2009. was 91,987 million units (MUs) in of digital makeover. Apart from a 2013-14 which was 4.4% higher than variety of cell phones that have Only non-scheduled Áights operate the previous year. During 2013-14, invaded the remote places, computer from these airports. the state has received 39,900 MUs usage has been common in rural electricity from the Central sector. Maharashtra as farmers make ‡(OHFWULFLW\VXSSO\RI  During 2014-15 up to December, the optimum use of internet to equip total electricity generated in the state themselves with the latest in their 0DKDUDVKWUD was 78,488 MUs, 18.1% higher than trade. The total number of landline The installed capacity has increased that for the corresponding period connections at the end of September by 20% during 2013-14, whereas the of 2013-14. During 2014-15 up to 2014 in the state was 52.63 lakh. The Central sector allocation to the state December, the state has received landline and cell phone connections increased by 1.6% over the previous 32,170 MUs electricity from the per lakh population were 4,390 and year. The total installed capacity as on Central sector. 87,810 respectively. 31 March 2014 in the state comprises public sector 38.1%, private sector ‡+LJKWHOHGHQVLW\ The internet subscriber base in the 54.5%, and PPP (Ratnagiri GasPower state as on 30 September 2014 was Project Ltd-RGPPL) 7.4%. Total Maharashtra ranks top in mobile connectivity and tele-density in India 3.72 crore which is highest among all electricity generated (including states.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Maha Paryatan Tourism Infrastructure for Maharashtra’s Economic Development

or Tourism Infrastructure to Buildings, Museums, Art Centres, Fcontribute towards Economic Gardens, Public Spaces, Roadways, Development, it has to be an Waterways etc. ‘Inclusive’ approach. Inclusive of Macro & Micro infrastructure, Inspite of the sorry state of affairs especially in India which has a rich of all our historic forts, buildings history of culture and tradition. and public spaces, it still remains one Successful models, like Goa, of the key crowd pullers amongst Rajasthan, Kerala, Kashmir has spelt tourists. it out clearly and laid the benchmark for Maharashtra to follow. The luxury This is a clear pointer to the Bamboo Viewing Decks & shaded public train - Deccan Odyssey has proven it. importance of its professional seating - Gazebos restoration to its original glory and reserves, bird sanctuaries, forests, etc Preservation, Conservation, periodic upkeep and the boost to the by including the local villages and the Restoration, Maintenance & economy from a better conserved villagers to be a part of the endeavor Information has to be the key words building or space. can prove to be sustainable if before any NEW infrastructure is and only if the local communities built. Infrastructure like walkways, guard are inclusive as a part of the rails, shaded public seating, viewing infrastructure. Local conservations Experiential tourism has always decks, with su tainable building practiced by communities to be given gained over the spectator kind of material like bamboo, special vehicles, special importance in making an tourism; hence it is important that in and around natural resour es like inclusive program for large scale tourists get to experience the history waterfalls, coasts, lakes, rivers, wildlife conservation of nature and its through well conserved Historical resources. Forts, Ancient Temples Development of art and cultural centre’s preferably close to the locations of its origins can retain its originality and include and contribute to the communities in a give and take sustainable model. Special vehicle to boost local skills to develop art & Fort crafts giving impetus to traditional skills backed with sales outlets along highways.

Ancient Temples

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Maha Paryatan

hoardings along the highways can also highlight the specialty of an unknown destination. Tour Guides : Well trained guides to walk a tourist around the facility and share personalized information. Local vehicles for hire to be moving hoardings of places of interests. Medical & First Aid : First aid medical services which are easily accessible and visible to Ànd when in an emergency should be installed. Trauma centres at key Folk Art Centres locations on highways can be an added reassurance to tourists & locals too. Committee for Tourism: Last but not the least is to hand over the management of tourism destination to the local communities by setting up a committee which includes active locals to oversee the day to day affairs, a few experts on various subjects of destination management & a couple of Govt. ofÀcials who can act as a conduit between the management and the state government.

G Joe” Art & Crafts centre’s displaying local impending inÁux of tourists which [email protected] crafts; food produce for sale can also can be a direct danger to otherwise be a tool for direct economic impact pristine environments. Local to the region. communities & businesses to be made a part of the clean environment Training centres at key locations drive to maintain local Áora & fauna. for training local youth to become pro-tourism ambassadors. Trained This brings us to some features which guides, small food outlets & has to be common to all facilities – businesses. Awareness campaigns which can prepare the locals of Information: the advantages & disadvantage of A well planned signage system Inspite the good and bad effects of mass/ of technological progress in way unbridled tourism, which can in Ànding, traditional tools of road turn create a highly aware local signs, informative signs do help community. display information, importance etc. Way Ànding signages to lead a traveler Waste water, Solid waste management to his/her destination. Literature on sustainable projects should be the destination will help in sharing implemented to address the authentic information. Informative

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Maha Paryatan Forts of Maharashtra By Prasad Tare

ndia and that too specially These are the forts which played Maharashtra and is surrounded by IMaharashtra has seen a golden era a major contribution in protecting insurmountable mountains. Some of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. An the land against the enemies. These of these mountains do have forts era when, even the common man are the forts which faught bravely situated at the top making Raigad a living in small villages was happy and with clever attacks from enemy forces. well guarded fort. Its well protected enjoying his prosperous, satisfactory These are the forts which did nature made it a most appropriate and safe life. Chhatrapati Shivaji not collapse even after the strong candidate for the capital of the forts Maharaj, with his visionary leadership, cannons of those times bombarded and land thereof. The mountain on made the difference almost 350 years day and night. These are the forts which it is situated has sharp edges before and changed the life of people which have seen sacriÀce of our and high cliffs making it ever and made them feel proud. warriors to protect those falling in the impossible to climb even with

As a leader, he introduced many hands of enemy. These are the forts necessary support. Only a small changes in traditional administration which has seen Chhatrapati Shivaji passage thoughtfully carved through those days. He also changed the Maharaj doing his best to renovate rocks leads to high altitude of the military structure, the war tactics them. fort. and fortiÀcations and made those compatible with changing time. He Forts got their real respect from The main entrance is so nicely placed introduced native navy on west coast Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Under that one can not see it anywhere for the Àrst time in the history of his leadership forts got equal from the outside. The u shape entry almost thousand years. His visionary importance - as same as individual passage makes it hidden from outside innovations can be experienced human beings. Be it a sea fort or be it attackers. In ancient days there was no even today at various forts built or a hill fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj photography available. So Ànding an renovated by him. cared for it and made every possible entry to a fort itself was a challenge. attempt to keep it in good condition. Moutain forts like Raigad, Rajgad, Wherever possible he built new forts U shape entrance made it further and Sea forts like and ensured the land of the country is difÀcult to trace. The high fotiÀcation Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Suvarndurg well protected. wall around it ensured that no human are standing gloriously even after can enter inside the fort unless he has hundreds of years. These are the forts Raigad, which was the capital fort wings! The wall, sometimes passes which helped marathi army to defeat of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is through a vertical edged cliff, making the powerful but unjust emporer of fortiÀed in such a way that it became us wonder how it was ever built. For that time. Lakhs in enemy armies invincible and is one of the strongest sure one needs a heart of a tiger to were defeated by a relatively small fort in the world today. The hill build it at such a risky location. army of the Chhatrapati Shivaji. fort is located in western ghats of

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Maha Paryatan

The waning buildings at the fort, efforts can be taken for other forts of forts also importance of forts and the remains of Chhatrapati Shivaji which can attract visitors and curious their history behind it. Maharaja’s palace, and the ruined students. walls of the royal court disturb every He really tried hard to make awareness history student and visitor. The royal If we take a case of sea-forts then about the forts in Maharashtra and court has seen the glorious era and in addition to above enhancements also about . has experienced the coronation of we can do few more important He said that Maharashtrian people the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It reinstations which can reÁect the or a local person do not respect the still has a proud feeling of the past facets of Marathi Navy. Chhatrapati Forts, then how come we expect but is saddened due to its current lack Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of Foreiners or tourist from different luster state. The fort which holds Marathi navy had introduced new places to honor it and feel pride about proud memories of the king should type warrior vessels. A small museum the same. Youth does not have basic be avoided from reaching a gloomy which shows vessels and navy knowledge about the Fortress and state. instruments used on those times can history behind the development. attract the interested and curious Some Fortress and Castle are The Raigad can reach it glorious people. Paintings and models of demolished because of improper phase if we make certain vessels used in those days can value maintenance. He mentioned that improvements to it. Making it green add the museum. Information written during 1818- 1880, had with proper tree plantation can be in multiple languages, booklets, light closed the doors of Fortress of one of the initiatives to start with. and sound shows, art gallery can help Maharastrian to protect it from Achieving the cleanliness can be in generating further curiosity and people. He thinks they had degraded another. Raigad has got an interesting help visitors to understand the place the great work. Now when we go to water circulation system which makes better. any forts it is not maintained properly it a wonder in civil engineering. The by the government of Maharashtra. water capacity of the forts was such All this will not add importance to the The govt. has not installed a single that it could serve atleast Àve thousand palaces and forts but also will provide dustbin or constructed toilet. He army over a period of year. Some a mode of earning to local people. compared about Maharashtra forts part of the water was circulated in Restorations similar to Rajasthan or with Europe’s fort and Forts in such a way that without electricity to European forts can further make London how well they are maintained fountains were functioning. Water it attractive to foreign visitors giving a by giving value addition like was well circulated through the royal global look to these strongest forts of documentary videos, well connected palace. Decorations and carvings were the glorious era! to roads, audio tour in different added to it making it aesthetic. After languages, etc. a thoughtful study the same water About Babasaheb Purandare system can be made up and running. He described about of Rajashtan too and mentioned how The walls and pillars of the royal local people feel proud about it and construction at Raigad can be try to maintain the dignitary of the reinstated using same stone and fort at individual level. He gave some wood. This will give the architecture, suggestions how to develop the forts the same look and feel to visitors, as like ticket booths at the entrance and it was having in seventeenth century. souvenir booth at exist where people Atleast the visible portion can be get handicrafts things, DC’s, Books, taken in Àrst phase of renovation. miniature of Forts, etc. He also Some cannons can be well pol- suggested of having some music ished and positioned at certain key shows or puppet shows on fort where locations adding historical look to the children can enjoy there so that legacy place. Museum of arms and artillery can be pass it on to generation to of those times can be developed with Babasaheb Purander is 93 year old generation.Our generation is really proper information associated with Historian, writer, poet, playwright lucky that we can see the leftover parts it. This will help visitors to under- maker of the legendary play by Jaanta of fort, but he doubts that whether stand the fort in the context of time. Raja and Maharashtra Bhushan the further generation will be able to Reinstation in the same form, as it awardee. He has devoted his 70 years see or not, or they will see it either in was in seventeenth century will give of life to create awareness about books or in internet. visitors a feel of those times. Similar development of forts, maintenance

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Empowering Maharashtra

MMRDA – Providing commuting solutions Mumbai is unique, deserves à la treatment

11.5-km Versova-Andheri- are enterprising. Also, Mumbai’s Metro-4 corridor and 16.5-km A Ghatkopar Metro-I corridor nature is cosmopolitan, commercial Andheri (East) to Dahisar (East) carrying about three lakh commuters and fast paced. In short, Mumbai is Metro-7 corridor. every day; 20 Áyovers in the city unique and deserves à la treatment. and its metropolitan region, Rail The development of the - While three Metro corridors-Dahisar- Over Bridges at Dahisar and Milan Kurla Complex is an offshoot of this W to DN Nagar Metro corridor, crossover, Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link very nature of the city. The Complex Colaba - Bandra - SEEPZ Metro Road, Santacruz-Chembur Link was aimed at absorbing growth of corridor and Andheri (East) to Road, 17.5-km long Eastern Freeway, ofÀces and commercial activities. Dahisar (East) Metro corridor – Sahar Elevated Road – all these Relocating some of the activities have already been taken up for carrying lakhs of vehicles daily; more from Southern Mumbai was another implementation, the Authority than 25 thousand toilet seats in the objective. The Complex provided has undertaken two new Metro metropolitan region and 36 skywalks perfect stage to the objective and corridors – 23.5-km DN Nagar to boot – an avant garde concept today is brewing with commercial to BKC to Mankhurd Metro-2B – which are used by lakhs of rail activities inasmuch as the Authority, corridor and the 32-km Wadala- commuters daily… Isn’t it an amazing very recently, had to take up a few Ghatkopar - Mulund - Thane- work? And if I say, all this was made more infrastructure projects to Kasarvadavli Metro-4 corridor. These possible within a period of a mere 13 provide better commuting and two metro projects will be taken up years? communicating facilities. for implementation this year.

Yes, it seems unbelievable. But, it While the Authority takes a bow The Àve corridors will dot areas is true. The Mumbai Metropolitan – and very humbly at that – for the right from Dahisar to Bandra (West) Region Development Authority accomplishment, I would like to share to BKC to Mankhurd and Thane (MMRDA) has indeed worked for the as to what the city and its folk is to connecting eastern and western city and its metropolitan region. The be treated with in the near future. areas such as Andheri (East and Authority was originally established – The State Government has made its West), Ghatkopar, Mulund including in 1975 – to only plan and coordinate intent very clear by announcing and Wadala. The Metro-3 corridor will developmental projects for the undertaking various infrastructure run from Colaba through areas such metropolitan region. However, in the projects of which a few have as Kalbadevi, Girgaum, Mahalaxmi, year 2003 – the State Government been already taken up for , Dadar, , BKC, swung the Authority into action and implementation this year and a few domestic and international airports, decided to implement infrastructure are to be undertaken the next year. MIDC, SEEPZ etc. These Àve projects for the city and its Commuter Comfort is top on the corridors will be used by more than metropolitan region. Today, after only priority list. Àve million (50 lakh) commuters 13 years we can safely say that the from the 114 stations that will be Authority did initiate a spectrum The Authority, today, has focused constructed on this 125-km Metro of high powered, long term and and taken up Àve Metro corridors – network. The network will be strategically signiÀcant projects that are – 18.5-km Dahisar-W to DN inter-connected with each other as designed to metamorphose the city Nagar Metro-2A corridor, 23.5-km also provide interchanges at Mono into a destination that would be DN Nagar to BKC to Mankhu- corridor and suburban rail system. parallel to none! rd Metro-2B corridor, 33.5-km The city of Mumbai is vivacious, its Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ Metro-3 The heartening part of the spirit is effervescent and the residents corridor, 32-km Wadala- Ghatkopar- implementation of this Àve-corridor Mulund - Thane - Kasarvadavli Metro network is the number of jobs

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Empowering Maharashtra

– 50 thousand – that will be created operational front, the Metro Rails phase will run from Virar (Navghar) in skilled and unskilled sector. The will use regenerative braking system to Chirner (79 km) and the second cost of constructing this124-km which will enable about 25% phase will run from Chirner to Metro network is pegged at saving in power consumption. May Alibaug (47 km). All relevant Rs.61,289/- crore. we call this a development of the city preliminary plans and keeping environment at heart? techno- economic feasibility studies Metro rail network spells out have been completed and submitted Commuter Comfort on various Besides the Metro network, the for inclusion in the Regional fronts – Congestion in each suburban Authority has also undertaken two Road Transport Maps. This rupees rail compartment will be reduced by more crucial projects – Mumbai 13,000 crore corridor will 35-40%, 7 people will get a square Trans Harbour Link and Virar- have 8 lanes with dedicated meter of space as compared to 12 Alibaug Multi-Modal corridor. lanes for buses, two-wheelers today. Reduction in congestion will Mumbai Trans Harbour Link and non-motorized transport. reduce the number of accidents (Rs.17,843/- crore), The 6-lane and This multi-modal corridor starts signiÀcantly; vehicular trafÀc on 22-km long crucial Mumbai Trans from Virar and reaches Alibaug via roads will be reduced by 35-40%; Harbour Link project will establish , , Dombivli travel time will be reduced by 30-50 connectivity between South Mumbai and Panvel and will cut down the minutes, on an average depending and main land and will help develop travel time to only a couple of hours. on route and there will be notable main land and parts of Raigad reduction in noise and air pollution. District. This link will connect Also coming up are two Áyovers at More signiÀcantly, about 7-8L liters southern Mumbai with the main Kalanagar Junction, Bandra – one of fuel will be saved every day. Can land and pave way for the easy leading towards Sea Link and the we imagine the volume by which connectivity to Panvel, Pune and other approaching Bandra-Kurla this city, which lost its glory not very further down towards southern India. Complex. The Áyovers are expected long ago, is set to become environ- Likewise, the 126-km Multi-Modal to provide seamless connectivity to ment friendly! Yes, to begin with, a Corridor will run from Virar to the Complex as also to reduce trafÀc few trees will be felled. However, Alibaug, is another relevant project. congestion in the Complex. there will be compensatory planting This multi-modal corridor is to be done as per the rules. Also, on the implemented in two phases – the Àrst The 5-km long Kurla-Vakola Elevated Road – an extension to Santacruz-Chembur Link Road – has also been aimed at providing better connectivity to the Bandra-Kurla Complex and to decongest trafÀc in the area.

Remember, Mumbaikars – at the end of the day – are not tired of their job. They feel tired, jaded of their commute, congestion, helplessness. Notwithstanding all the present-day hardships, I assure Mumbaikars that their commute in this city is certain to be easy and comfortable.

By Mr Dilip Kawathkar, Dy. Metropolitan Commissioner & Joint Project Director PR),MMRDA

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Maha Facts & Figures MAHARASHTRA’S COMPARISON WITH INDIA

STATE ECONOMYY State Income o Decline in agricultural output for two consecutive years has adversely affected rural economy which is highly dependent on agriculture. However, better performance of Services & Industry sectors has contributed to growth in State economy. At this backdrop, advance estimates of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at constant (2011-12) prices maintained fairly decent growth of 8.0 per cent over the previous year.

o As per advance estimates, GSDP for 2015-16 at constant (2011-12) prices is expected to be ` 16,47,045 crore. The ‘Agriculture & Allied activities’ sector is expected to decline by 2.7 per cent while, ‘Industry’ and ‘Services’ sectors are expected to grow at 5.9 per cent and 10.8 per cent respectively over the previous year.

o As per the Àrst revised estimates, GSDP at constant (2011-12) prices is ` 15,24,846 crore during 2014-15, as against ` 14,41,843 crore in 2013-14, showing an increase of 5.8 per cent. GSDP at current prices during 2014-15 is ` 17,92,122 crore.

o Net State Domestic Product (State Income), as per the Àrst revised estimates, is ` 15,72,037 crore and Per Capita State Income is ` 1,34,081 during 2014-15. Prices o 1.5 Average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for rural and urban areas in the State from April to December, 2015 was 257.2 and 246.7 respectively. It increased by 2.7 per cent and three per cent respectively over the corresponding period of the previous year.

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Maha Facts & Figures

loan of ` 1,532.8 crore was outstanding from about two lakh SHGs.

o The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched on 28th August, 2014 is a national mission to bring about comprehensive Ànancial inclusion of all households. Upto 3rd February, 2016, about 1.35 crore bank accounts were opened in the State with deposits of ` 1,863.06 crore and 1.14 crore ‘RuPay cards’ were issued. Agriculture and allied $ From August, 1991 to October, 2015 + First revised estimates activities ATotal Electricity Consumptioin and Industrial Consumption Àgures for o Total rainfall in the State during Indian are calculated using per capita consumption from Central 2015 was deÀcient i.e. 59.4 per cent from Central Electricity Authority and calibrated projected mid-year of the normal rainfall. Out of 355 talukas (excluding talukas in Mumbai population provided by Central Statistics OfÀce. City & Mumbai suburban districts) in the State, 278 talukas received deÀcient, 75 talukas received normal o The year-on-year rate of inÁation ` 1,26,457 crore (63.8 per cent of and two talukas received excess based on CPI for rural areas decreased BE). This showed increase of 10.3 rainfall. from 4.8 per cent in April, 2015 to 2.6 per cent over same period of the per cent in December, 2015 whereas, previous year. o During kharif season of 2015, for urban areas it decreased from sowing was completed on 141.46 4.7 per cent to 3.5 per cent. The rate o Revenue expenditure of the State lakh ha, which was six per cent less of inÁation for the same period for Government is ` 2,01,988 crore in than the previous year (150.97 lakh ‘Food’ group increased from 5.7 per 2015-16(BE) as against ` 1,94,677 ha). This and deÀcient rains resulted cent to 5.9 per cent for rural areas crore during 2014-15(RE). in expected decline of 18 per cent in while, it increased from 6.2 per cent production of total foodgrains and to 7.3 per cent for urban areas. o As per budget estimates in marginal decline of two per cent in 2015-16, revenue deÀcit is ` 3,757 oilseeds production for kharif crops. o The year-on-year rate of inÁation crore, Àscal deÀcit is ` 30,733 crore based on Wholesale Price Index and debt stock is ` 3,33,160 crore. The o 1.16 Due to deÀcient rains in (WPI) at All-India increased from percentage of Àscal deÀcit to GSDP kharif season 2015, area under rabi (-)2.4 per cent in April, 2015 to is 1.56 and debt stock to GSDP is crops is expected to decrease by 16 (-)0.7 per cent in December, 2015. It 16.92 in 2015-16(BE), which is well per cent as compared to the previous remained negative for 14 months within the limits stipulated by the year resulting in expected decline of in a row. For ‘Food’ sub-group in 14th Finance Commission under 27 and 50 per cent in total foodgrains ‘Primary Articles’ group, it increased ‘Consolidated Fiscal Reform Path’. and oilseeds production respectively. from 5.9 per cent to 8.2 per cent during the same period. Institutional Finance o For two consecutive years 2014 o 1.11 As on 31st March, 2015, and 2015 the State received deÀcient aggregate bank deposits and gross Public Finance rainfall of 70.2 per cent and 59.4 o The expected revenue receipts of credit of Scheduled Commercial per cent respectively of the normal the State Government are ` 1,98,231 Banks in the State were ` 21.34 rainfall. Live storage of water crore for 2015-16(BE) as against ` lakh crore and ` 19.76 lakh crore reservoir as on 15th October was 1,80,794 crore during 2014-15(RE). respectively. Credit-Deposit (CD) 72.5 per cent in 2014 and 61.4 per The expected tax and non-tax ratio was 92.6 per cent. cent in 2015 of its respective total revenue for 2015-16(BE) are ` capacity. This has posed challenges to 1,59,697 crore and ` 38,534 crore o As on 31st March, 2015, total meet water requirement not only for respectively. Actual revenue receipts savings of 7.2 lakh Self Help Groups agriculture sector but also for during April to December, 2015 were (SHGs) was ` 903.8 crore. The total drinking purposes. Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Maha Facts & Figures

o The ‘Jalyukta Shivar Abhiyan’ Industry year. The per capita ultimate launched by the State primarily o 1.23 During ‘Make in India’ event, consumption of electricity in aims at making Maharashtra ‘a 2,594 MoUs have been signed with industrial, domestic and agriculture drought-free state by 2019’. It proposed investment of ` 7,94,057 sectors for the year 2014-15 increased involves deepening and widening of crore and expected employment of by 5.3 per cent, 6.1 per cent and 20.1 streams, construction of cement and 30.9 lakh by the State. per cent respectively resulting in earthen stop dams, works on nullahs increase of 8.3 per cent for all sectors and digging of farm ponds. The o Since August, 1991 to October, as compared to previous year. target is to make 5,000 villages free of 2015 in all 19,053 industrial proposals water scarcity every year. with proposed investment of ` o Under Domestic EfÀcient Lighting 10,97,337 crore were approved. Programme, annual savings of o During 2014-15 and 2015-16, in Of these, 8,497 projects (44.6 per 750 MUs is expected through all 6,205 villages from 34 districts cent) with proposed investment of replacement of CFL and have been selected to free them from ` 2,62,631 crore (23.9 per cent) were incandescent lamps by LEDs and water scarcity and 1,30,761 works of commissioned. upto 15th February, 2016, about water conservation in the selected 92 lakh LEDs are distributed to villages have been completed, o Upto September, 2015 in all about domestic consumers. whereas 34,989 works are under 2.44 lakh micro, small and medium progress by the end of October, enterprises (MSMEs) were o During 2014-15, transmission 2015. functioning in the State with losses of MAHATRANSCO, investment of ` 56,552 crore and 29.2 distribution losses and Aggregate o During 2014-15, Commercial lakh employment. Technical & Commercial (AT & C) banks disbursed crop loan of ` losses of MAHADISCOM were 3.89 17,986.56 crore, Regional Rural o As per the provisional results of per cent, 14.17 per cent and 18.71 Banks disbursed ` 1,690.53 crore Annual Survey of Industries 2013-14 per cent respectively. Corresponding and Maharashtra State Co-operative released by GoI, the State is at the losses during 2013-14 were 4.08 per Bank, District Central Co-operative top position in terms of gross value cent, 14.0 per cent and 17.68 per cent Banks and Land Development Banks added. respectively. together disbursed ` 14,423.30 crore. These banks together also disbursed o As per Sixth Economic Census, Transport agricultural term loans of ` 23,191.61 total no. of establishments in the o At the end of March, 2015, the to- crore. During 2014-15, Primary State is 61.3 lakh and employment tal road length maintained by PWD Agricultural Credit Co-operative therein is 145.1 lakh. and ZP was about 2.99 lakh km. Societies disbursed loans of ` 14,030 About 99 per cent villages were con- crore to farmers, of which, loans of Co-operation nected by all-weather roads or fair ` 6,388 crore were disbursed to small o 1.28 As on 31st March, 2015 there weather roads. and marginal farmers. were about 2.26 lakh co-operative societies, with about 5.39 crore o The total number of vehicles on o During 2015-16, upto December, members therein. Of these, nine road in the State as on 1st January, average daily collection of milk by the per cent were in agricultural credit, 2016 was 271 lakh (23,009 vehicles government and co-operative dairies 10 per cent were in non-agricultural per lakh population and 90 vehicles was 50.52 lakh litres which was 45.45 credit and 81 per cent were engaged per km road length). The total lakh litres during 2014-15. The total in other activities. In all 24 per cent number of accidents and persons milk production was 9.5 million MT co-operative societies were in loss, killed during 2015 were 63,805 and during 2014-15. ofwhich, 21.8 per cent were in 13,212 respectively. agricultural credit. o During 2015-16, upto December, o 1.34 During 2014-15, total cargo marine and inland Àsh production Energy trafÀc handled by major and (provisional) was 3.40 lakh MT and o 1.29 Installed capacity of electricity non-major ports was 1,528.19 lakh 1.25 lakh MT respectively. During was 32,706 MW as on 31st MT, of which, share of Mumbai 2014-15, it was 4.64 lakh MT and 1.44 December, 2015. Generation of Port Trust and Jawaharlal Nehru Port lakh MT respectively. electricity was 84,558 Million Trust was 40.3 per cent and 41.7 per Units (MU) upto December, 2015, cent respectively. which was 8.1 per cent higher than corresponding period of the previous

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Maha Facts & Figures o During 2014-15, domestic and o Religion wise data revealed that o Birth rate, infant mortality rate international cargo handled by proportions of population belonging and death rate are 16.5, 24 and 6.2 airports in the State was 2.42 lakh to Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, respectively in 2013. The MT and 4.87 lakh MT respectively. Buddhist and Jain religions are 79.8 corresponding Àgures were 16.6, 25 The passenger trafÀc during 2014-15 per cent, 11.5 per cent, one per cent, and 6.3 respectively in 2012. Maternal from domestic and international air- 0.2 per cent, 5.8 per cent and 1.2 per mortality ratio during 2011-2013 is ports was 312.1 lakh and 113.7 lakh cent respectively. At All-India level 68. respectively. these proportions are 79.8 per cent, 14.2 per cent, 2.3 per cent, 1.7 per o According to ‘Maharashtra Social sector cent, 0.7 per cent and 0.4 per cent re- Human Development Report o As per Population Census 2011, spectively. (MHDR) 2012’, HDI of the State the total population of the State o During 2015-16, number of is 0.752. Greater Mumbai has the is 11.24 crore, of which, female primary schools (class I to VIII) is highest HDI (0.841) whereas, population is 48.2 per cent. The about 1.05 lakh with enrolment of has the lowest percentage of urban population is about 1.60 crore as against same no. HDI (0.604). Of the total districts in 45.2. The decadal growth of the of schools with enrolment of 1.62 the State, HDIs of 27 districts were population is about 16 per cent, less crore in 2014-15. During 2015-16, lower than that of the State HDI. by 6.7 percentage points than that of number of secondary & higher the previous decade. secondary schools (class IX to XII) is about 25,000 with enrolment of o Sex ratio in the State is 929, which about 64.14 lakh as against 24,497 is 894 for age group 0-6 years as schools with enrolment of 61.81 lakh compared to 943 and 919 respectively in 2014-15. for All-India level. The literacy rate in the State is 82.3 per cent, which is o During 2014-15, the proportion 79.7 per cent and 65.7 per cent for SC of schools having drinking water and ST respectively. At All-India level facilities was 99.6 per cent, girls’ toilet these rates are 73 per cent, 66.1 per (functional) 98.6 per cent and cent and 59 per cent respectively. computers 54.3 per cent.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Women Enterpreneurs We can… We did …. We start again....

Welcome to VeenaWorld!!! A staunch believer in pushing the envelope with every endeavour, VeenaPatil is a name to reckon with. Born on the eve of the , she is one of the most renowned faces in the travel industry. With an experience spanning over more than 30 years, she brings with her a spirit which combines innovation, thinking and courage.

Having completed her Diploma in Electrical Engineering, VeenaPatil chose to make travel as her passion. She believes that sheer excellence in domestic as well as international tourism can only be achieved when you optimize your talents well and have the courage to take risks.

A proliÀc writer, columnist and an efÀcient business woman Veena Patil’s enthusiasm and mastery in conceptualizing tours across seven continents is truly commendable. Her knowledge, experience and charisma adds to Veena World’s Lakshya, which aims at being “Bharat KeSabseBadi Travel Company”.

Way back in 2013, we had the vision to create a world of affordable travel. Destiny had presented us with the golden opportunity to explore new avenues in tourism and hence the idea of Veena World was conceived. We assembled a great team, they worked together and the work Áowed throughout almost effortlessly. Our Àrst branch ofÀce was inaugurated on 18th June 2013 but the very seed was sown rather the idea of Veena World was conceived on 1st April 2013.This date marked an exciting new day in the history of tourism.

With knowledge and experience acquired through extensive travel spread over more than 30 years, her quest to be in line with the present trends in tourism have lead her towards conceptualizing several innovative specialty travel concepts such as Women’s Special Tours, Seniors’ Special, Students’ Special, Grandparents’ & Grandchildren Special, Special, Jubilee Special and Singles’ Special Toursand CARwalle Packages.

Having realized the potential of different travel segments, VeenaPatil has been instrumental in introducing some very innovative and exciting travel concepts not only to her organization but also to the tourism industry. In recognition of her work, achievements and accolades, very recently she has also been awarded the Star PravahRatna Award. This awards recognizes the power of being Marathi and honours individuals who have not only made it big in their lives but have also been game changers in their areas of work.

At Veena World, we thrive to provide a world-class travel experience with dedication.Our values anchor every product and service we provide and every channel we operate. We always aim to offer exciting experiences, the best programmes, meticulously planned itineraries and all inclusive tours

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Women Enterpreneurs conducted by professional, and Creativity, these values have gone products, making marketing plans, experienced, enthusiastic and ahead to deÀne our culture. designing advertisements, selling, seasoned tour managers. arranging for air tickets, visa and Our core values have governed us for insurance, making on tour Just as we had touched the pinnacle several decades and are demonstrated arrangements, you name it and we of success with innovation in every everyday by our people: their have a thoroughly experienced team possible facet of travel and were dedication to perform with integrity; meticulously working to ensure that thinking of what more can be their commitment to treating one the tour is fantastic, memorable and achieved, destiny presented us with another with respect; their devotion worthwhile. the golden opportunity to explore to operating safely through newer avenues in tourism. teamwork; and their creativity to At Veena World we draw our strength inspire innovative various off beat from our team and we are sure that We are truly blessed to draw upon tour ideas. their essence and undying spirit will take us to heights unheard of. our experience of the last 30 years A dynamic team of over 500 + and create our world of travel all over members, who are ready to put in all We look forward to your continued again. A world where each and every their hard work, dedication and effort, support and love in our new venture. family and everyone in the family can just for you. Achieving a guest base So, come explore life with Veena fulÀl their travel dreams. As pioneers of 1,25,000 in just 2 years is no World and we assure you amazing of innovative holiday ideas and tours, mean feat. Developing business holidays, many times a year and year we always aimed to offer all inclusive strategies, creating innovative after year. tours, exciting experiences, value added services and professional yet personalised services.

We are thankful to our Guests who have always appreciated our every new offering, be it a new destination, a unique experience or any of our specialised tours. We attribute the success of our ever popular Ladies Special tours, the thoughtfully planned Senior Citizen tours, the exciting Student tours, the romantic honeymoon tours and the pilgrimage tours to your blessings. With this new found excitement, we offer you a wide array of group tours, tailor made holidays, business travel solutions and inbound holidays, to suit different budgets, to all the destinations and all-round the year. Only this time it’s with more passion, more commitment, more responsibility and loads of enthusiasm. Team of Veena World “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” --Henry Ford The backbone of this venture has always been our people, who have brought with them decades of superior experience.Time-tested core values: Integrity, Respect, Teamwork

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Women Enterpreneurs “Together Everyone Achieves More”! Ms. Chetna Koragaonkar By Chetna Koragaonkar

Success is a very subjective term and to be acknowledged as a successful Today I am the proprietor of this woman entrepreneur one has to fulÀll a whole lot of standards. I would like to company and Director in our other deÀne a successful woman entrepreneur as someone who is not only satisÀed marketing company Omkar Services with her personal achievements but sets an example for other aspiring women (I) Pvt. Ltd. as well. In addition to our own production My journey started in a very modest and unprofessional way. Normally the term we also started undertaking packaging manufacturing connotes a huge production unit, giving employment to a large contracts from other exporters. We no. of skilled and unskilled work force. However about 15 years back I ventured ourselves entered into the export into my “manufacturing” activity on a micro level along with my husband in a market after completing IEC small part of a warehouse in Navi Mumbai. We both were ignorant about food certiÀcate registration formalities and nutrition sector and no previous experience in manufacturing “masalas”, and secured few export orders. Today the everyday need of housewives. Initially we had to face teething problems our company is registered under and trying to establish a new brand of our products was a frightening task. SSI and being a woman entrepreneur However we had a strong determination to pursue and adopted a strategy of I have been sanctioned a sizeable providing super quality products to our consumers. We took special care to amount of loan facility. We observe taste and packaging standards and strictly followed hygiene and cleanliness emphasize on securing annual in our manufacturing unit. Our Àrst break through was to get placements in well contracts from various institutions established supermarket “Apna Bazar” outlets and that set the ball rolling. and hospitals. We could achieve all Within a short span of just six months we shifted to a proper manufacturing this by consistent perseverance and unit equipped with powder Àlling machine for packaging. strictly observing quality control of our products. To recover our investment in plant and machinery we had to boost our production and develop high level marketing network. Distributing our Today the cost of advertising and products from Vashi to various outlets in Mumbai was truely a challenging job. media publicity is beyond the reach Gradually we set up a proper marketing team at these outlets by appointing of an upcoming entrepreneur, but promotional sales girls. We had to train these girls proper marketing skills to let me assure you that if we provide achieve pre-determined results. Here again, neither me nor my husband had quality products or services to our ever learned the intricate details of marketing, but our unabated efforts took consumers, there mouth publicity care of these shortcomings. We modiÀed the tastes of our masala products as takes care of this problem. I am sure per consumer demands and that was our Àrst step towards success. We never my success story will encourage other turned back after that. women entrepreneur to set up higher goals in life. My humble To compete with well established brands available in the market, we had to sell request to them is never give up our products at reasonably lower prices. This naturally affected our proÀt and easily and always believe in your own loss ratio, but we decided to bear the loss for a while. In due course of time our strengths and abilities. Also develop a business started Áourishing albeit slowly in Thane and Mumbai outlets. I must team of dedicated associates because mention here that we could achieve this with the help of our dedicated sales what TEAM signiÀes is …. team. Eventually we secured Agmark certiÀcation for which we had to adhere “Together Everyone Achieves More”! to all FDA and ISSAI stringent norms which we did meticulously.

Later on we moved to a 5000 sq.ft. Factory with 65+ staff and started “manufacturing” our masala products under the name of Rich Agor Industries.

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest News in MEDC

MEDCMEETINGSWITHGOVERNMENTOFFICIALS

ShriSudhirMunggantiwar,Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Maharaashtra State and Cdr.  Dipak Naik, President, MEDC discussed about the forthcoming Union Budget 2017Ͳ18 in his office at Mantralayaon25th January2017. Hon’ble Minister appreciated the work that MEDC is doing for the DevelopmentofMaharashtraand offered all support from government through his Ministry to MEDC to implement the projectscarriedoutbyMEDC.

Cdr. Dipak Naik, President, & Mrs. Meenal Mohadikar, ViceͲPresident, MEDC meet, Hon’ble Addl. Chief SecretaryͲ Finance, Govt. of Maharashtra and discussed about forthcoming Union Budget 2017Ͳ18 in his his office at Mantralaya on 25th January2017.Hon’bleAddl. Chief Secretary appreciated the work that MEDC doing for the Development of Maharashtra mostly in ‘Environment Studies’ when President brief him about BMC’s Gargai Project.He offeredallsupporttoMEDCtoimplementtheprojectscarriedoutbyMEDC.Hewasalsokeen towritehisviewpoinson‘UnionBudget2017Ͳ18’forMEDCEconomicDigest.

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  News in MEDC

in Association with MAHARASHRA ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

VENDOR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR MSES AND STARTUPS x Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) is a Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production and is a leading shipyard of the country. MDL desires to expand the MSEs Vendor Base for supply of materials and services required for various projects, as follows. R ELECTRICAL ITEMS R ENGINEERING ITEMS R HULL ITEMS R MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS : Fire Fighting and Safety Gears, Measuring Instruments and Tools, Hardware, Consumables, Stationery, Linen, Furniture, Rubber, Plastic, Nylon & Leather Prod , Paints, Chemicals, Adhesives, etc R SERVICES: Calibration of Test Equipments, AMCs for various Equipments, BRCs for installation of pipes, Insulation, IT and related items, Maintenance Contracts, Housekeeping and Gardening, Copier, Courier, etc. x All MSMEs are requested following details: x Name of the firm. x Nature of the business with product / service details. ENTRY x VAT, CST, Excise, Service Tax Certificates. FREE x Annual Reports for the last three years with ITRAs. x MSE certificate issued by competent authority. x Vendor registration certificate from any Govt. bodies / PSUs. x The shortlisted/selected firms will be considered for on the spot registration at MDL during the program. x Interested Members may please confirm latest by 5th February 2017. x No entry fee required but prior registration required. The schedules of the Program : START Ups & MSME : 16th February 2017 at 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm

For more details and registration pl. contact Ms. Pooja – 9869529491 / Ms. Sonam - 8898787833 Tel.: 22842206/09 ; [email protected][email protected] ; [email protected]

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest News In MTDC Govardhan Eco Village (GEV) observes 2017 as the year of Yoga Govardhan Eco Village (GEV) launches Govardhan School of Yoga

25th January, 2017: Govardhan Eco UNWTO for giving this opportunity has always promoted and supported Village (GEV), an ISKCON project, to share this message of sustainability sustainable tourism. Yoga is India’s a WELLNESS DESTINATION on a larger scale especially in this year gift to the world which holds the FOR WORLD CITIZENS which which is celebrated as the year of promise of self-realization. The is a premium MahaBhraman status sustainable tourism. He expressed his concept of Yoga has the potential certiÀed by Maharashtra Tourism gratitude to HDG Srila Prabhupada, to draw in a signiÀcant number of Development Corporation (MTDC) Founder of ISKCON, Radhanath travellers and the launch of recently received the prestigious Swami, Founder of Govardhan Eco Govardhan School of Yoga is an UNWTO (United Nations World Village, Sanat Kumar Prabhu, Head immense opportunity for the Tourism Organization) Award for of Rural Developmemt Project in boosting yoga tourism in the state.” Excellence and Innovation in GEV, Chitra Vishvanath and to the Tourism,announces today the launch entire community of ISKCON. He Dr. K.H. Govinda Raj, of Govardhan School of Yoga. also expressed his special gratitude IAS, Managing Director of to Shri Narendra Modiji, Prime Maharashtra Tourism Govardhan Eco Village highlights the Minister of India and to the Tourism Development Corporation stated, importance of spiritual ecology, the Ministry, Government of India.”We “We are delighted to be associated need for us to live in harmony with hope and pray that we will be able with Govardhan Eco Village as they ourselves, and to discover, practice to utilise this honor to spread the are signiÀcantly contributing through spiritual and eco-friendly principles. message of peace, harmony and innovative initiatives which are The 28-day residential program sustainability more and more” he competitive and at the same time enables you to not only learn and added. sustainable in character. Govardhan teach yoga, but also to learn healthy Eco Village is the only destination in eating, taking care of your body, Smt. Valsa Nair Singh IAS, Principal Asia to meditation practices from the bhakti Secretary, Tourism & Culture, tradition and generally making yoga Government of Maharashtra stated, be awarded by UNWTO this year. part of your lifestyle. “Govardhan Eco Village is doing As more people embrace overall a commendable work by providing healthier lifestyles at home, we Commenting on the occasion sustainable livelihoods and shaping are now seeing those behaviours “Shri Gauranga Das, Director, global tourism through innovative translate and be integrated into Govardhan Eco Village said,” initiatives. Looking at the NGO’s their travel and vacation habits. This It’s our honour and privilege contributions and efforts, we are initiative will attract tourists from all to receive this award on honoured and happy to see GEV across the world. behalf of land of India and we receive this prestigious award by would like to express our gratitude to UNWTO. Maharashtra as a state

Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  News In MTDC About Govardhan Eco Village: Govardhan Eco village is a place to inspire transformation in ourselves and the world we live in. This transformation begins by awareness of our good fortune in the gifts that nature has blessed us with. Spending time at Govardhan Eco village allows us to experience what it means to live simply, to appreciate nature, and to discover and practice spiritual and eco-friendly principles. With this in mind, Govardhan Eco village is not intended to be a hotel. In the midst of this rural village in India, we are attempting to provide a simple place to breathe, walk around, practice yoga, meditate, pray, chant, and to serve. We believe that the joy of giving service brings more pleasure than accepting service.

We offer accommodation for a comfortable stay, and welcome everyone to disconnect from the demands of our often fast-paced and stressful life and to reconnect with yourself; with your family and friends; with nature and with us. If you’re not attending one of our retreats, we encourage you to take advantage of the experience offered by our daily schedule.

Image 1 – (L-R): Shri. Radha Kund Das, Chief Tourism OfÀcer, Govardhan Eco Village; Shri Gauranga Das, Director, Govardhan Eco Village; Shri. Jaykumar Rawal, Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, Govt of Maharashtra; Smt. Valsa Nair Singh IAS, Principal Secretary, Tourism & Culture, Govt of Maharashtra and Dr. K.H. Govinda Raj, IAS, Managing Director of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation at the press conference of the announcement of Govardhan School of Yoga

 February 2017 Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest February 2017  Publishing date on 5th of Every Month RNI No. 22816/73 Postal Regd No. MCS/038/2015-17 License to post without prepayment Mumbai - 400 001 on dated 5th of Every Month WPP License No.: MR/Tech/WPP-245/South/2017

Printed, published & edited by Mr. Suresh A. Ghorpade of behalf of Maharashtra Economic Development Council (MEDC), Printed Onlooker Press, 16, Sasoon Dock, Colaba, Mumbai 400 005 And published from Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Y.B. Chavan Centre, 3rd Floor, Gen. J. Bhosale Marg, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021. Editor. Mr. Suresh A. Ghorpade Maharashtra Economic Development Council, Monthly Economic Digest