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The Wire
2 days ago
- The Wire
Discrepancies, Data and the Myth of Kashmir's Tourism ‘Boost': An RTI Raises More Questions
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Government Discrepancies, Data and the Myth of Kashmir's Tourism 'Boost': An RTI Raises More Questions Jehangir Ali 32 minutes ago An RTI activist has alleged that data disclosed by the tourism department and the government-run development authorities that are responsible for independently managing tourist destinations in Kashmir are marred by errors. FILE IMAGE. Tourists lined up at a Gondola cable car station, in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, at Gulmarg in Baramulla district, Jammu & Kashmir, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Photo: PTI Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now Srinagar: A right to information query has found that only 10% of the purported tourist footfall in Jammu and Kashmir since the reading down of Article 370 was for the Kashmir Valley, leading to questions on claims of the restoration of normalcy in the area and queries on the methods in which such numbers are collected. As many as 9.47 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir, the Union government had earlier said. In response to the RTI query by Srinagar-based transparency activist M.M. Shuja, the tourism department of Kashmir has stated that 92,80,199 tourists – 1,40,577 of them foreigners – visited the Kashmir Valley in the six years since 2019, the year of the Article 370 move. According to the department's public information officer, the number of tourists who visited the Kashmir valley in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 was 5,65,532, 41,267, 6,65,814, 23,10,309, 22,10,497 and 29,86,780 respectively. However, the Union government's own Economic Survey 2024-25 puts the figures at 6,65,777, 26,73,442, 31,55,835 and 34,98,702 in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively. The Union government thus records over 18 lakh more tourists from 2021 to 2024 than the tourism department of the J&K government, which is under its direct control. In March this year, a report in the Rajya Sabha by a parliamentary standing committee stated that 9.47 crore tourists arrived in Jammu and Kashmir from 2019 to 2024, of whom around 8.5 crore seem to have confined their visit to the Jammu region only. Of these, a significant number appear to have visited the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. According to official data, more than 4.33 crore devotees visited the shrine in the six years since 2019 – a figure which is likely to also include a good number of locals. The Kashmir valley's low share in Jammu and Kashmir's annual tourist footfall holds significance as the BJP-led Union government has repeatedly attempted to link the numbers with the restoration of normalcy in the Union territory following the reading down of Article 370. Speaking with The Wire, Shuja, the RTI activist, alleged that the data disclosed by the tourism department and the government-run development authorities that are responsible for independently managing tourist destinations in Kashmir are marred by errors. Methods In a query about the methodology used for counting tourists at the Srinagar airport and the national highway – the only all-weather surface link that connects the valley with the rest of the country – the department stated that the final figure was 'recorded manually by the dedicated tourist police headed by Deputy Director Tourism Enforcement'. Shuja said that there are flaws in this strategy, claiming that the total number includes local residents of the valley who may be travelling for reasons such as study, healthcare, business or leisure, as well as the floating population of around four to five lakh migrant workers who travel to Kashmir every year. 'The tourism department passes off the number of daily arrivals at the Srinagar airport as the total number of tourists, without excluding the locals and security personnel who visit Kashmir for reasons other than tourism. When I asked the officials about this, they had no answer,' claimed Shuja. He also said that the method used to count tourists arriving in Kashmir by passenger cabs or buses via the national highway was flawed for the same reason. 'The number of passengers that can fit into buses and cabs crossing the Jawahar Tunnel into Kashmir is presented as the number of tourists. While it may help to present a rosy picture of tourism, the absence of factual data will hinder the long-term growth of the sector', Shuja said. The RTI activist also alleged that these discrepancies appear in data released by the development authorities that oversee some of Kashmir's most popular tourist destinations. Citing the official figures revealed by the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) in Ganderbal district, he said that there are 1,270 rooms in all the private and government establishments and hotels in this central Kashmir health resort, which figures among the valley's top five tourist destinations. More discrepancies Responding to an RTI query by Shuja, the SDA stated that 8,90,874 tourists visited Sonamarg in 2024. However, the authority left the query unanswered about the mechanism it adopted to count tourists. Shuja claimed that if all rooms available in Sonamarg were to be occupied on all days of the year, the total number would come to 4,63,550 tourists in 2024. 'If the number is doubled to two tourists per room, even then the figure of 9,27,100 would suggest that Sonamarg was almost at full capacity throughout the year, which is far from truth, given that the harsh winter and the terrorist attack on the Z-Morh tunnel kept Sonamarg out of bounds for many weeks in 2024,' he said. The tourism department has also stated that the hotels, lodges and other similar facilities in Kashmir can accommodate 77,050 persons, with the capital Srinagar figuring on top with a capacity of 56,022 beds, followed by Anantnag with 11,336 and Baramulla with 4,494. A 2018 report in the International Journal of Advance Research in Science and Engineering said that the relative share of the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir's gross state domestic product (GSDP) fluctuated between 6.99% and 8.04%, making it a key sector which has generated a good number of jobs in the hospitality and transportation sectors in recent years. In his first budget speech on March 7, chief minister Omar Abdullah asserted that his government was planning to increase the contribution of the tourism sector to the Union territory's GSDP from 7% to at least 15% over the course of his tenure. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News 'No Unauthorised Websites, Private Email IDs': J&K Govt Issues Advisory Amid Cyber Attacks What Amit Shah's Amarnath Yatra Security Meeting Says About Who Controls Law and Order in J&K The Grand Tamasha of Jammu and Kashmir Politics Jammu and Kashmir: Family Living Near LoC Loses Breadwinner in Shelling After Operation Sindoor Author of 'Kashmir in Conflict' Says 'India and Pakistan Gain Nothing From Repeated Military Confrontations' Pahalgam and the Collective Punishment of Kashmiris Missing Police in Pahalgam: Who is Responsible for this Biggest Breach of Public Security? 'It's a Huge Tragedy': In Visit to Poonch, Rahul Gandhi Meets Families Bereaved in Pak Artillery Shelling Jammu and Kashmir: Soldier Killed During Encounter With Terrorists in Kishtwar District About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
'Govt has fast-tracked FDI approvals from neighbouring countries'
The government has significantly streamlined procedures for clearing FDI applications of neighbouring countries including China, with quicker decisions, and regular inter-ministerial committee meetings to ensure approvals are processed within the set timelines, an official said. The number of pending foreign direct investment (FDI)proposals from countries sharing land border with India under the provisions of Press Note 3 is less. Under Press Note 3 of 2020, the government has made its prior approval mandatory for foreign investments from countries that share land border with India. These countries are China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Afghanistan. As per that decision, FDI proposals from these countries need government approval for investments in India in any sector. "The government has streamlined a lot the procedures for clearance of applications coming under Press Note 3 of 2020. The time taken to decide on these applications has also come down significantly. Meetings of the inter-ministerial committee are happening regularly to ensure that within the laid down timelines, these applicants are decided upon," the official told PTI. Review of these meetings happens regularly at the cabinet secretary level also, the official, who did not wish to be named, said. At present, there is an inter-ministerial committee headed by the Home Secretary to consider applications under that press note. Industry experts have urged the government to ease Press Note 3 rules, as foreign firms with even tiny Chinese shareholding still need approval under this route. The Economic Survey 2024-25 had made a strong case for seeking foreign direct investments (FDI) from Beijing to boost local manufacturing and tap the export market. As the US and Europe are shifting their immediate sourcing away from China, it is more effective to have Chinese companies invest in India and then export the products to these markets rather than importing from the neighbouring country, the survey had said. At present, the bulk of the FDI coming into India falls under the automatic approval route. China stands at 23rd position with only 0.34 per cent share (USD 2.5 billion) in total FDI equity inflow reported in India from April 2000 to March 2025.
News18
2 days ago
- Business
- News18
Foreign Investment Clearances From Border Nations Fast-Tracked: Govt Official
Last Updated: The number of pending foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals from countries sharing a land border with India under the provisions of Press Note 3 is currently low. The government has simplified the process for FDI approvals from neighbouring countries, including China, by speeding up decision-making and holding regular inter-ministerial committee meetings to ensure approvals are granted within a timeline, an official said. The number of pending foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals from countries sharing a land border with India under the provisions of Press Note 3 is currently low. Under Press Note 3 of 2020, the government has made its prior approval mandatory for foreign investments from countries that share a land border with India. These countries are China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Afghanistan. As per that decision, FDI proposals from these countries need government approval for investments in India in any sector. 'The government has streamlined a lot the procedures for clearance of applications coming under Press Note 3 of 2020. The time taken to decide on these applications has also come down significantly. Meetings of the inter-ministerial committee are happening regularly to ensure that within the laid down timelines, these applicants are decided upon," the official told PTI. Review of these meetings happens regularly at the cabinet secretary level also, the official, who did not wish to be named, said. At present, there is an inter-ministerial committee headed by the Home Secretary to consider applications under that press note. Industry experts have urged the government to ease Press Note 3 rules, as foreign firms with even tiny Chinese shareholding still need approval under this route. The Economic Survey 2024-25 had made a strong case for seeking foreign direct investments (FDI) from Beijing to boost local manufacturing and tap the export market. As the US and Europe are shifting their immediate sourcing away from China, it is more effective to have Chinese companies invest in India and then export the products to these markets rather than importing from the neighbouring country, the survey had said. At present, the bulk of the FDI coming into India falls under the automatic approval route. China stands at 23rd position with only 0.34 per cent share (USD 2.5 billion) in total FDI equity inflow reported in India from April 2000 to March 2025. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN News18. Stay updated with all the latest business news, including market trends, stock updates, tax, IPO, banking finance, real estate, savings and investments. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates—only on News18. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: June 01, 2025, 18:15 IST
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
‘Growth in productivity, real incomes not happening as fast; leading to queuing for govt jobs': says NITI Aayog vice chairman
The growth in labour productivity and real incomes is not happening 'as fast as people's aspirations', which has led to them 'queuing for government jobs', NITI Aayog Vice Chairperson Suman Bery said on Thursday. In his remarks at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) summit, Bery noted the real challenge facing India is raising productivity in both manufacturing and services, and urged the private sector to create 'better jobs'. 'A particular dimension of Viksit Bharat is the urgency of raising labour productivity. This is very much an area where the private sector has an important role to play,' Bery, who also chairs the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), said. Bery observed India's GDP in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms stood at $15 trillion, compared with $29 trillion for the United States. Highlighting the difference in labour productivity in the two countries, Bery said, 'We're roughly half the size of the US economy. Our labour force currently is approximately three times the size of the US labour force.' The eminent economist said rising productivity leads to faster growth in real incomes and improved standards of living. 'The fact that that has not been happening as fast as people's aspirations is what is leading to (them) queuing for government jobs, etc. What is really important is that those better jobs be generated by the private sector,' Bery said. The Economic Survey 2024-25 said real monthly wages for both male and female salaried and self-employed workers in 2023-24 were lower than pre-pandemic levels in 2017-18. It also noted that while corporate profitability soared to a 15-year high in 2023-24, growth in wages has 'lagged'. Bery noted that advanced economies such as the UK and Canada are also 'concerned about stagnant productivity'. 'India's track record has not been bad in terms of growth of productivity, but it needs to get better. Our problem is our lower level, not only with respect to the US but also with respect to some of our peers, such as China and others in ASEAN. And certainly, in G20, our labour productivity is the lowest,' he said. The NITI Aayog vice chairman emphasised focusing on underutilised labour to boost productivity. 'Faster growth is if we can deploy more of our underutilised labour, particularly women and youth, in more productive activities,' Bery said. Aggam Walia is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, reporting on power, renewables, and mining. His work unpacks intricate ties between corporations, government, and policy, often relying on documents sourced via the RTI Act. Off the beat, he enjoys running through Delhi's parks and forests, walking to places, and cooking pasta. ... Read More
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How Indian and global CEOs are reacting to AI's growing impact on jobs
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword. It is already changing how industries operate and how people work. As this shift continues, several Indian and global CEOs are speaking openly about what AI means for jobs and the future of work . Hitesh Oberoi, CEO of Info Edge , which runs the job portal recently shared his views on X . He said AI is not just about cutting jobs but about changing the kind of work people will do. According to him, the focus now should be on building new skills. 'For job seekers, the message is clear: Develop skills that complement AI rather than compete with it. Problem solving, creativity, domain expertise, and AI literacy will be far more valuable than routine skills that can be automated. Continuous learning is no longer optional,' he wrote. Sridhar Vembu, CEO of software company Zoho, shared a more urgent view. He pointed to the rise of large language models (LLM) and new software tools as a serious challenge for people working in tech . 'The productivity revolution I see coming to software development (LLMs + tooling) could destroy a lot of software jobs. This is sobering but necessary to internalise,' he said on X. Outside India, global tech leaders are expressing similar concerns. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt said professionals in many fields, including art and medicine, could become irrelevant if they do not adapt to AI . Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also believes that people who avoid learning AI could lose their jobs to those who do not. At the Milken Institute's Global Conference 2025, Huang said AI will be part of nearly every industry . He said the only way to stay ahead is to learn how to work with it. Both Schmidt and Huang believe that refusing to engage with AI could limit career growth in the years ahead. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories These concerns are backed by data. In April, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development warned that up to 40% of jobs across the world could be affected by AI. A report by McKinsey & Company also estimated that between 400 million and 800 million jobs could be displaced over the next five years. It said many workers may need to move into completely new roles. In India, the worry is just as strong. Microsoft's Work Trend Index 2023 found that 74% of Indian employees fear that AI could make their jobs unnecessary. The Economic Survey 2024-25 also raised similar points and called attention to the speed at which AI is transforming the labour market. Not every CEO is rushing to increase use of AI. Klarna Group, a fintech company, has decided to scale back its AI-based customer service . CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski said the model led to a drop in service quality and the company is now adjusting its approach. Across the board, CEOs agree that AI will play a big role in shaping the future of work. Some see it as a chance to boost productivity. Others see it as a risk to current job structures. What is clear is that people who want to stay relevant in the job market will need to learn, adapt and keep pace with the change.
