Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the state budget in the state legislative assembly yesterday at Jaipur.
Some Highlight of Budget Towards Tourism Sector
VATÂ Increased From 12.5% to 14%
The airlines service tax has been substantially reduced from 28% to 4% and VAT has been increased from 12.5% to 14%.
Low Rent for Budget Rooms
There is a great news for budget travelers as the budget exempted room fare in hotels costing up to Rs 3,000 from luxury taxes.
Formation of Rajasthan Tourism Act
To facilitate tourists and bring some regulation in the tourism sector in Rajasthan, Mr Gehlot emphasized on the formation of a Rajasthan Tourism Act, a Heritage Development Council and Heritage Development Authority.
A budget of Rs 10 crore has been allocated for the conservation of heritage properties in rajasthan.
Nodal Agency to Encourage Investment in Tourism
Among the other announcements were to develop nazool’ properties of tourist importance under a transparent policy. The department of tourism would be a nodal agency to encourage investment in tourism. Besides, old forts, step wells and castles that are the rich legacy of the state would be listed for nomination as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Promotion of Art and culture and the Folk Traditions
To promote art and culture and the folk traditions there is a proposal to upgrade the Jawahar Kala Kendra as Center for Performance & Living Art for which Rs 1.25 crore has been allocated. Now all accomplished artisans in folk art will be honored with Rajasthan Ratan’.
Restoration of Temples
The budget has been increased from Rs 2 crore to Rs 5 crore for restoration of temples under Devsthan. The museum of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Arabic Persian research institute would be developed with a grant of Rs 1.19 crore.
