Visa-on-arrival for select countries under review -- Advani
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

New Delhi, March 13: In an effort to give a major fillip to the tourism industry, the Government is considering introduction of visa-on-arrival for visitors from some select countries, Home Minister L K Advani said here today.

"A meeting of the Union Ministries of home and tourism has been convened next week to consider ways and means of introducing visa-on-arrival for tourists from few select countries," Advani said after launching a unique tourists' friendly transistor at the historic Red Fort.

He said in order to tap the immense tourism potentials of the North-East, the home ministry will convene a meeting of state governments from the region to relax some permits.

"I do not find any reason why an Indian visitor has to procure any permits to go to some parts of the North-Eastern region," Advani said referring to the enforcement of inner line permits (ILPs) in some hilly states in the region.

He was also critical of few "obsolete" restrictions like prohibition of photography on dams and installations like All India Radio (AIR) stations and said these could be reconsidered "without compromising on security".

With the introduction of these unique transistors `handy audio research kit (HARK) developed by the tourism department in collaboration with NIIT, the tourists will get a description of some important sites of the majestic fort in a two-minute commentary both in English and Hindi.

The facility will be available at nine spots in front of Naubat Khana, Diwan-e-Aam, Hamam, Diwan-e-Khaas, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal.

Tourism Minister Ananth Kumar said the facility will also be introduced at Humayan Tomb, Qutub Minar, Fatehpuri Sikri and Taj Mahal.

"We also propose to cover entire Delhi with this facility within six months," he said adding his Ministry was focussing on making paper-based campaign for tourism destinations electronic-based.

Advani said the combined effort to develop tourism sector along with Information Technology could usher in a new era of economic growth and immense job opportunity.

However, he said "those like me associated with security aspect are however concerned with the much internet explosion we are witnessing. Things like cyber crime have come to stay."

Advani also released two books titled `Speaking Stones' on various monuments in the country and `Discover India by Rails' on the occasion.

Copyright © 2001 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.