Saturday, September 28, 2024
In a transfer set to revolutionize the vacationer expertise throughout Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Tourism Growth Company (MTDC) has introduced plans to denationalise over 30 of its properties and develop land below the Public Non-public Partnership (PPP) mannequin. This resolution, whereas anticipated to considerably improve the state-run resorts, may even present substantial alternatives for personal builders to enter the tourism sector.
Among the many locations included within the first section of the privatization initiative are well-known vacationer spots reminiscent of Ganpatipule, Tarkarli, Shirdi, Karla, Alibag, Matheran, and Tadoba. These areas, which have lengthy been in style amongst vacationers, are set to obtain a significant enhance in amenities and infrastructure.
Manojkumar Suryawanshi, Managing Director of MTDC, shared, “We have invited bids for 30 tourist destinations in the first phase. More sites will be added as we move forward. This initiative aligns with the 2024 Tourism Policy of Maharashtra, focusing on improving the tourism landscape in the state.”
Boosting Tourism Competitiveness
Tourism division officers identified that MTDC resorts have struggled to match the extent of high quality offered by different states reminiscent of Kerala and Goa. An official highlighted the potential for Sindhudurg, a district identified for its beautiful seashores however missing in high-end lodging. “Sindhudurg was declared a tourist district in the 1990s, but it lacked starred hotels for many years. Now, two five-star hotels are under construction, while Goa already has 27 five-star hotels,” the official stated. Beneath the brand new PPP mannequin, MTDC plans to improve present resorts and construct new ones, notably within the Konkan area, with a give attention to three- to five-star lodging.
Political Criticism and Considerations
Regardless of the potential advantages of the privatization transfer, it has attracted vital political criticism, notably from Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and Chief of the Opposition within the Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve. He has questioned the timing of the choice, which comes simply forward of the state’s meeting elections, and accused the federal government of favoring non-public builders over public curiosity.
Danve voiced his considerations on World Tourism Day, asking, “Why is MTDC privatizing profit-making resorts at prime destinations like Ganpatipule, Tarkarli, Shirdi, and Karla? This appears to be a ploy to hand over valuable state lands to private players.” He additionally criticized the incentives being provided to builders, reminiscent of a 20 per cent capital subsidy, GST refunds, Stamp Obligation concessions, and electrical energy tariff reductions.
Authorities’s Response and Lengthy-Time period Imaginative and prescient
Responding to the allegations, Tourism Minister Girish Mahajan defended the transfer, explaining that the choice goals to draw worldwide and high-end home vacationers. “We are developing MTDC resorts in three categories—three-star, four-star, and five-star properties—to cater to affluent tourists. The land will remain owned by MTDC, and in addition to an upfront payment, we will receive a 12.5 per cent share of the gross revenue from these properties,” Mahajan said.
Probe into PWD Tasks
In a associated improvement, Ambadas Danve has additionally known as for an investigation into the Public Works Division (PWD), alleging large-scale monetary mismanagement. Danve claimed that whereas ₹21,148 crore has been allotted for capital expenditure within the price range, the PWD has accepted initiatives value ₹86,000 crore, regardless of present liabilities of ₹16,000 crore. He has urged Governor C P Radhakrishnan to research the matter.
