Role of five year plans in the tourism development in india
Answers
Five year plans have been drafted and adopted for achieving national objective since 1951. The first five year plan was prepared for planned development of the country covering the period 1951-56. But at that time tourism was not a conspicuous economic activity and that tourism was not given a specific allocation.
The second plan (1956-61) recognized tourism as a significant industry and made a small, but specific allocation for tourism. A modest allocation of Rs.3.36 crores was for the development of tourism infrastructure. The plan adopted a method of classification of of tourism projects into 3 categories. Part I schemes included development of infrastructure at places that were important from the point of view attracting foreign tourists. Part II schemes included development schemes for places that were primarily the interests of domestic tourists. Part III schemes were those that catered to the needs of localities. Part I schemes were entirely central financed, while Part III were state financed. Part II schemes were jointly financed. It was during the II plan period, (1958) a separate department of tourism at the center was established. Overseas promotional offices at Fankfurt, Melborne and Colombo were established.