Ranchi: In a significant move to enhance tourism infrastructure in Jharkhand, the state assembly on Wednesday passed the Jharkhand Tourism Development and Registration (Amendment) Bill 2025. The bill, tabled by State Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar, was approved by a voice vote during the second half of the House proceedings.
The amendment aims to establish the Jharkhand Tourism Area Authority (JTAA), a dedicated body to manage civic amenities at major tourist destinations that fall outside the jurisdiction of urban local bodies (ULBs). The authority will initially operate in Grade-A tourist hubs such as Patratu, Netarhat, Rajrappa, and Madhuban.
Key Responsibilities of JTAA
According to Minister Kumar, the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the respective districts will serve as chairpersons of the authority. The JTAA will oversee cleanliness, safety, parking management, and prevention of encroachments at major tourist locations. Additionally, the authority will be empowered to collect fees and taxes from various sources, including vehicles entering these destinations, with the revenue earmarked for facility improvement and development.
Discussion in Assembly
The bill faced scrutiny from opposition legislators, including BJP MLAs Raj Sinha and Naveen Jaiswal, who proposed sending it to a select committee. They raised concerns that local MLAs were not included in the authority’s proposed organizational structure. Responding to these concerns, Minister Kumar clarified that the DC would serve as chairman and that key individuals would be nominated by the department to ensure smooth and effective functioning of the authority.
Revocation of Previous University Bills
During the same session, the assembly also revoked four previously passed bills related to the establishment of private universities, which had yet to become operational. Minister Kumar, who also holds the portfolio for higher and technical education, stated that the revocation aligns with the Jharkhand Private Universities Bill 2024, which has revised the parameters and procedures for setting up private universities in the state.
Other Matters Raised
The assembly also addressed issues related to the Jharkhand Bhavan in Delhi, the ‘Abua Awas’ housing scheme, and water supply concerns. Opposition leader and Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi criticized a government circular restricting stays at Jharkhand Bhavan and Urja Bhavan to only the family members of MLAs. Minister Radhakrishna Kishore assured that the government would review the matter and take appropriate action.
Implications
The establishment of JTAA is expected to significantly improve facilities for tourists visiting Jharkhand, enhancing safety, convenience, and overall experience at key destinations. The initiative reflects the state government’s efforts to strengthen tourism while ensuring better management of non-urban tourist hubs.
Read also: Jharkhand Supplementary Budget 2025: Women and Child Welfare Tops State’s Funding Priority
