Latest news with #MaharashtraTourismSecurityForce
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Time of India
Maharashtra to launch tourism security force with pilot project in Mahabaleshwar
Kolhapur: State govt has decided to establish a dedicated ' Maharashtra Tourism Security Force ', starting with the deployment of 25 "tourism mitras" during the three-day Mahabaleshwar Tourism Festival , starting May 2. The aim is to instil a sense of safety among tourists, both domestic and international. State tourism minister Shamburaj Desai, who is also the Satara district guardian minister, made this announcement on Monday. The decision was taken in the wake of the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir. To begin with, 25 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation will be appointed. These personnel will receive necessary training for tourist safety and festival management. The force will remain active till Aug 31. Required vehicles and other facilities will be provided, and senior officers will be appointed by the Satara district superintendent of police to ensure proper execution of the duty. The expenses for this initiative will be covered by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the office of the Satara district superintendent of police. "Tourist mitras will be appointed on a contract basis at tourist destinations. I have asked the state security corporation and an agency to submit the details of the available personnel. The security volunteers will also help guide tourists, ensure eco-friendly measures are adopted, and that nature is protected," said Desai. The tourist security force is not a new concept and has been in place in some form or other in a few states. They are called "tourist police" in some states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Tripura. Rajasthan has a "tourist assistance force" with booths established at key locations. Tourists can register their complaints with the booths, which can be addressed by the tourist police. "This initiative will foster a trustworthy environment at tourist destinations, attract more visitors, and provide economic benefits to local communities. The force will have trained personnel, modern technology, and a coordinated system capable of swift action in emergencies. Services such as helplines, information centres, and digital platforms will be easily accessible to tourists. Additionally, coordination with local police and administration will strengthen the security system. The state tourism department is committed to understanding tourists' needs and delivering services that meet their expectations. This initiative will further solidify Maharashtra's position on the global tourism map," said Atul Patane, the principal secretary of the tourism department. Kolhapur: State govt has decided to establish a dedicated 'Maharashtra Tourism Security Force', starting with the deployment of 25 "tourism mitras" during the three-day Mahabaleshwar Tourism Festival, starting May 2. The aim is to instil a sense of safety among tourists, both domestic and international. State tourism minister Shamburaj Desai, who is also the Satara district guardian minister, made this announcement on Monday. The decision was taken in the wake of the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir. To begin with, 25 personnel from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation will be appointed. These personnel will receive necessary training for tourist safety and festival management. The force will remain active till Aug 31. Required vehicles and other facilities will be provided, and senior officers will be appointed by the Satara district superintendent of police to ensure proper execution of the duty. The expenses for this initiative will be covered by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the office of the Satara district superintendent of police. "Tourist mitras will be appointed on a contract basis at tourist destinations. I have asked the state security corporation and an agency to submit the details of the available personnel. The security volunteers will also help guide tourists, ensure eco-friendly measures are adopted, and that nature is protected," said Desai. The tourist security force is not a new concept and has been in place in some form or other in a few states. They are called "tourist police" in some states, such as Andhra Pradesh and Tripura. Rajasthan has a "tourist assistance force" with booths established at key locations. Tourists can register their complaints with the booths, which can be addressed by the tourist police. "This initiative will foster a trustworthy environment at tourist destinations, attract more visitors, and provide economic benefits to local communities. The force will have trained personnel, modern technology, and a coordinated system capable of swift action in emergencies. Services such as helplines, information centres, and digital platforms will be easily accessible to tourists. Additionally, coordination with local police and administration will strengthen the security system. The state tourism department is committed to understanding tourists' needs and delivering services that meet their expectations. This initiative will further solidify Maharashtra's position on the global tourism map," said Atul Patane, the principal secretary of the tourism department.
India Today
29-04-2025
- India Today
Maharashtra to form 'Paryatan Mitra' for safety of tourists, pilot from May 1
In a bid to enhance tourist safety and revive confidence in domestic travel, the Maharashtra Government has announced the formation of the Maharashtra Tourism Security Force (MTSF), also referred to as Tourism Mitra, under its recently unveiled Tourism Policy initiative was formalised through a government circular dated April 17, 2025, issued by the state's Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department. The new force is envisioned as a specialised unit that will not only ensure security for tourists but also disseminate information about Maharashtra's cultural heritage and major tourist creation of the force is part of the state's broader tourism roadmap, which aims to attract private investment worth Rs 1 lakh crore and create an estimated 18 lakh direct and indirect jobs by capitalising on Maharashtra's natural and cultural assets. As a pilot, the force will be deployed in Satara district during the upcoming Mahabaleshwar Mahotsav, which is scheduled from May 1 to May 4, 2025. Twenty-five trained personnel will be stationed under the supervision of the Satara District Police Superintendent, in collaboration with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation. The force will remain operational in the region from April 25 to August to the directive, vehicles and logistical support will be made available, and senior officers will be assigned to oversee operations. Funding responsibilities will be shared between the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, the Maharashtra State Security Corporation, and the Satara Police Superintendent, with the Tourism Development Corporation set to receive reimbursements for incurred government has decided to form Maharashtra Tourism Security Force. The decision has been taken in view of increasing opportunities in the tourism sector, diversity with regards to geography and culture in the state and to give a secured tourist experience," news agency PTI quoted Maharashtra Tourism Minister Shamburaj Desai as saying."They will also be posted for the security of the tourists. This will increase employment opportunities in the state. They will take training to give information as well as protection to the tourists," Desai added.A statewide rollout of the Maharashtra Tourism Security Force is expected soon, pending further government orders issued under the directive of the Governor.
The Hindu
29-04-2025
- The Hindu
Maharashtra to establish ‘Tourism Security Force' at popular destinations
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Maharashtra government has established a 'Tourism Security Force (Paryatan Mitra)' to boost tourism and prioritise tourist safety in the State. Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said he aims to provide tourists a safe and secure experience through this initiative. The Maharashtra Tourism Security Force will be started on a pilot basis during the Mahabaleshwar festival in Satara district, which will be held from May 1 to May 4. The Tourism Department will appoint tourism police on a contractual basis to create a sense of security among the tourists coming to the State. Mr. Desai said, 'The force will also provide necessary information about the culture, history, tourist places, laws, rules and tourism, promoting sustainable tourism.' The Tourism Department has directed the State Security Board and Maharashtra Ex-Servicemen Corporation Ltd. (MESCO) to submit the details of their employees as soon as possible. 'The launching of the Tourism Security Force will give a new lease of life to tourism and, at the same time, create new employment opportunities at local places,' stated Mr. Desai. The force will undergo special training to guide and protect tourists and have modern technology and a coordinated system to respond immediately in emergencies. Facilities like CCTV, helpline and an immediate response system will be available at tourist destinations. Principal Secretary Atul Patne also mentioned that this is a positive step towards creating a security shield for tourists. 'It will increase the influx of tourists towards tourism and provide economic benefits to local communities,' said Mr. Patne. Mahabaleshwar Festival The pilot project will be implemented during the Mahabaleshwar Festival, where 25 personnel will be appointed through the Office of the Satara District Superintendent of Police. These personnel will be provided with the necessary training for the safety of tourists and as per the planning of the festival. This force will remain operational from 25 April to 31 August 2025. Satara Superintendent of Police will appoint senior officers to ensure personnel perform their duties appropriately. The expenditure incurred for this initiative will be borne by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the Office of the Satara District Superintendent of Police. After the successful implementation on a pilot basis at the Mahabaleshwar Festival, a 'Maharashtra Tourism Security Force' will be set up for the entire Maharashtra. Under this initiative, a target of ₹1 lakh crore private investment and 18 lakh direct and indirect employment generation has been set in the tourism sector.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Hindustan Times
Maharashtra to get Tourism Security Force
MUMBAI: Following the recent terror attack on tourists at Pahalgam, the state government has decided to set up a Maharashtra Tourism Security Force to be stationed at major sites. The force will be launched on a pilot basis during the Mahabaleshwar festival set to be held at the Satara hill station from May 2 to 4. Personnel for the force will be recruited from the Maharashtra State Security Corporation. In this pilot phase, the force will be operational until August 31. The first batch of 25 personnel will be deputed at Mahabaleshwar. Senior officers will be appointed by the Satara district superintendent of police to monitor and oversee the force. The expenditure will be borne by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), tourism minister Shambhuraj Desai said on Monday.
Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Indian Express
Maharashtra to set up tourism security force
In the wake of the terror attack on tourists near Pahalgam in J&K, the Maharashtra government on Monday announced to establish a 'Maharashtra Tourism Security Force (Tourism Mitra)', which will be tasked with the safety of tourists visiting the state. State Tourism Minister Shambhuraj Desai said, 'This force will be deployed for the safety of tourists. The personnel will undergo special training so that they can guide and protect tourists.' 'The 'Maharashtra Tourism Security Force' will be launched on a pilot basis during the Mahabaleshwar Festival in Satara to be held from May 1 to 4. In order to create a sense of security in the minds of tourists coming to the state and to provide necessary information about the state's culture, history, tourist places, laws, rules and tourism, the tourism security force will be appointed on a contractual basis,' Desai added. In order to set up the force, the Tourism department has directed the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and Maharashtra Ex-Servicemen Corporation Ltd to submit information about their employees as soon as possible. Around 25 personnel will be appointed by the Maharashtra State Security Corporation through the Satara district superintendent of police office. These personnel will be given necessary training for ensuring the safety of tourists. The expenditure incurred on this initiative will be borne by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation in coordination with the Maharashtra State Security Corporation and the Satara district SP office. Tourism Secretary Atul Patne said the step is meant to create a safe environment at tourist destinations. 'The force will have trained personnel, modern technology and a well-coordinated system, which will react immediately in emergency situations,' he said.
