Hyderabad:The Congress government is planning an ambitious scheme of taking students of state-run schools and colleges to major tourist destinations, tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao told Deccan Chronicle in an exclusive interview.
Official orders for this scheme, called ‘Telangana Darshini’, were issued on Thursday. It will be applicable to students from Class 2 to graduation.
The minister said, “While Kerala leads the way in tourism, we are committed to ensuring that Telangana reaches the top position. By focusing on our natural attractions — forests, rivers, and wildlife sanctuaries — and prioritising environmental conservation in sensitive areas, we are preparing to offer exciting new experiences for the people."
This scheme will make government education institutions more attractive, as well as boost state tourism.
"Previously, the government was progressing at a snail’s pace, but now we are committed towards taking giant strides in tourism. As World Tourism Day (September 27) approaches, Telangana is set to celebrate not just with grand events but also by focusing on sustainable tourism, infrastructure development, and engaging new sectors like IT," he said.
Highlighting the importance of engagement with the IT sector, the minister said, “Many IT professionals from Hyderabad travel to destinations in Karnataka and Maharashtra on weekends. Telangana Tourism aims to introduce these travellers to beautiful, lesser-known destinations within the state, offering them quick and easy weekend getaways.”
“Telangana is also working on developing tourism circuits across its 33 districts, each with its unique attractions. However, lack of infrastructure for hotels, toilets, and changing rooms have been a challenge. To address this, the department is exploring public-private partnerships (PPP) to develop necessary amenities.” he said
On Friday, the official state event will be held at the National Academy of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NATHM), Gachibowli.
"This celebration will feature cultural programmes and may include key policy announcements for tourism development. There is also a possibility that the honorable CM will attend it," Krishna Rao said.
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Telangana Darshini
Official orders for ‘Telangana Darshini’, a tourism offer for students of government schools and colleges, were released on Thursday.
The tour must include places known for either ecology or art.
The tours shall be conducted during weekdays/working days.
Eligibility:
I Category: Classes 2 to 4 (One-day trip; `300 per student): Nearest monuments or heritage sites or parks within the same village or mandal.
II Category: Classes 5 to 8: Places within 20 km to 30 km (One-day trip; `800 per student).
III Category: Class 9 to Intermediate: Places with 50 km to 70 km (two days trip; `2,000 per student)
IV Category: Graduats: Places anywhere in the state but outside their district (four-day trip; `4,000 per student)
