GUWAHATI: The four-day International Tourism Mart (ITM) will start in Assam's Kaziranga from Tuesday to highlight the tourism potential of the eight northeastern regions for both domestic and international tourists, officials said on Monday.
An official of the Union Tourism Ministry said the 12th edition of ITM will take place in a region known for its diverse topography, rich flora and fauna, vibrant ethnic communities, ancient traditions, festivals, and abundant arts and crafts.
Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO site and home to the majestic one-horned rhino, adds to the allure of this event, the official said.
He said that the ITM, an annual event organised by the Union Ministry of Tourism, serves as a vital platform, bringing together tourism businesses and entrepreneurs from the eight northeastern states -- Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim -- to foster collaboration and interactions among buyers, sellers, media, government agencies and other stakeholders.
Director General of Union Tourism Ministry Mugdha Sinha earlier said that the four-day event is expected to be attended by approximately 400 participants which include international and domestic tour operators, hoteliers and homestay owners, tourism service providers, influencers and opinion makers, senior officials from the Centre and state governments, media and international students, the official added.
She had said that the ITM would feature a variety of activities, including presentations by state governments, B2B meetings, panel discussions, food demonstrations, cultural evenings, live music, a northeast Bazaar, and technical visits to significant sites such as Charaideo Moidam, newest and 43rd UNESCO World Heritage Site of India, Kaziranga National Park, which celebrates 50 years as National Park.
Other significant sites include Hathikuli Tea Estate and the Orchid and Biodiversity Park.
The Mart would also engage international students who are studying in various institutions in the northeastern region and influencers all across the globe providing them with first-hand insights into the area's rich culture, the official informed.
Sinha had said that the ITM in Kaziranga would exemplify a strong commitment to sustainability, aligning with the Travel for Life initiative of the Ministry of Tourism.
The event would be organised with a focus on minimising environmental impact, employing energy-efficient practices, and the elimination of single-use plastics, the Tourism Ministry DG said.
--IANS
'Muslims don't vote for JD(U)', says Union Minister Lalan Singh
Patna, Nov 25 (IANS) Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan, popularly known as Lalan Singh, has claimed that despite the Nitish government's several welfare schemes for the minority community, "Muslims do not vote for JD(U)".
Addressing a JD(U) workers' conference at Langat Singh College in Muzaffarpur on Sunday, the Minister highlighted several reforms implemented during CM Nitish's tenure that have benefitted the minority community, contrasting them with the conditions during the Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi's government.
"During the Lalu-Rabri era, madrasa teachers earned only Rs 4, 000 per month. Under Nitish Kumar's leadership, their salaries have been aligned with the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission, reflecting significant improvement in their financial standing, " Union Minister Singh said.
He emphasised that CM Nitish has prioritised the development of the minority community through measures like enhanced education and welfare schemes. However, Union Minister Singh lamented that these efforts have not translated into votes for Nitish Kumar or the JD-U.
He criticised the political preferences of the minority community, claiming that the parties they support have not contributed to their development.
In his remarks, he called upon party workers to recognise the realities of electoral dynamics, stating, "Do not be under any illusion that the minority community votes for Nitish Kumar."
However, JD(U) leader Mohammad Jamal has countered Union Minister Singh's assertion, stating that Bihar's minority community stands firmly with Chief Minister Nitish.
"The Muslim community not only supports CM Nitish's leadership but also votes for the JD(U) in elections, citing recent examples to back his claims. The recent Belaganj Assembly by-election is evidence of the minority community's support for JD(U).
He also highlighted instances from the Lok Sabha elections, where a significant number of votes from the minority community were cast in favour of JD(U) candidates in constituencies like Sitamarhi and Sheohar.
Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) state spokesperson Ejaz Ahmed has strongly criticised Union Minister Singh's comments on the minority community's voting patterns, accusing the JD(U) of aligning itself with the Bharatiya Janata Party and promoting "divisive" ideologies in Bihar.