Disclosing this to mediapersons here today, the Union Tourism and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Madan Lal Khurana said that under the new tourism policy which would be given the finishing touches next month, elaborate plans had been drawn from April 1, 1999 to March 2000 -- to be declared as the "Visit India Year".

Special package offers involving rail, air and hotel freight would be offered to tourists particularly Non-Resident Indians under this programme, he added. Concessions would be offered at every level to visitors coming to the country in the next financial year, he added.

While referring to the new tourism policy, Khurana said the first step in this direction was the establishment of Bharat Pariyatan (tourism) Bhawan at New Delhi. The land for this had already been acquired, he added.

The bhawan was being established for the benefit of touristsseeking information about different places and spots in the country. A special section for rail and air booking would be a feature of this bhawan, he added.

Every state in the country would have its individual section at this bhawan to provide the necessary information not only to foreigners but also to Indian tourists on their respective states, he added.

The first step towards the implementation of the tourism policy, according to the Minister would be the holding of a world meet on Buddhism at Sarnath and Bodh Gaya during this year. Buddhists from South East Asian nations would be expected to participate in strength in this meet, he said, while adding that similar programmes would also be chalked out for attracting foreign nationals belonging to other religions.

With reference to the new tourism policy which the Minister described as a time-bound action programmme, the tourism ministry would undertake the beautification of the surrounding areas of historic and religious places. Certain cities andtowns of the country would be selected for this purpose, Khurana said.

The minister said that the nuclear explosion tests by India would in no way affect the flow of tourists to India.

Referring to Punjab, Khurana said that the Central Government proposes to spend Rs 4 crores to boost tourism in this border state during the tri-centenary year of the birth of the "khalsa" which falls next year. During this financial year three schemes which include the establishment of a yatri niwas at Mohali, setting-up of a tourist reception centre at Anandpur Sahib and commencing of a light and sound programme at Anandpur Sahib, the birth place of the Khalsa, would be given shape, he said while stating that for these schemes the Ministry would be shelling out Rs 2 crores.

In addition, the Central Government would also give financial assistance for upgradation of the tourist complex at Kiratpur Sahib, and illumination of historic gurdwaras at Anandpur Sahib.

The proposal for setting-up of a three-star hotel atAnandpur Sahib and upgradation of the Amritsar international hotel of the Punjab Government would be re-undertaken jointly by the Union Tourism Ministry and the State Government, he added.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir, Khurana said that despite the adverse conditions, his Ministry would be taking a number of steps to boost the tourism industry there. He said these proposals would be given shape soon.