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eTurboNewsThe Indian Ministry of Tourism has launched Project Priyadarshani, a new self-employment scheme for women getting them into the core areas of the tourism industry. Launched in New Delhi, the project will be soon be extended to Mumbai and then southern state Andhra Pradesh.
Tourism Minister Renuka Chowdhary said that this initiative by the ministry “is an effort to make women realize that they are careers beyond the kitchen”. As part of the project, women in the Capital city got involved in cab driving and tourists guides.
“I realize that I am being a role model for many other women and this is very challenging. I think it would be a very good way to start a career of my own,” Gitanjali, a 21-year-old bachelor of commerce graduate from the Delhi University, told national daily The Hindu about her decision.
“It is highly empowering to be self employed. We will be taught martial arts and trained under the Tourism Ministry,” said Deboshree, a woman taxi driver.
Named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who in her younger days was called Indira Priyadarshini, the project is also in line with Athiti Devo Bhava campaign.
Earlier this year, taking a cue from a traditional way of greeting guests in India, the Ministry of Tourism launched Athiti Devo Bhava (treat guest like god) campaign, to offer the inbound tourist a sense of being welcomed in the country. The campaign, to be rolled out in a phased manner over a period of three years, is part of the plan to reinvent India’s diversity, modernity and cultural heritage while focusing on sustainability and environmental aspects.
The campaign provides training and orientation to taxi drivers, guides, immigration officers, tourist police, restaurant owners and other persons directly interacting with the tourists. The campaign is based on seven points - sensitization, screening, induction, training and orientation, certification and feedback of key stakeholder of the tourism industry in India.
As per the information available, under Project Priyadarshani, the first batch of women will undergo a three-month training in commercial driving, self-defense, vehicle repairs, language classes, running souvenir shops and small dhabas at tourism destinations and will also be provided financial aid.
“The project, which trains women from different economic backgrounds to become self-sufficient, is about equipping them with the possibility of growth through vocational training to face challenges with courage and confidence. The tourism sector has a great many stakeholders who interact with tourists and project the face of India,” India Tourism Development Corporation chairman and managing director M. S. Manchanda said
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