The Assam government is preparing a five-year master plan to expand the state’s tourism sector with a strong emphasis on eco-tourism, rural development and employment generation, Tourism Minister Ajanta Neog said on July 3 after inspecting the tourism infrastructure at Jongal Balahu Garh in Raha. The plan, she said, is intended to use tourism as a tool for economic growth while creating jobs for young people.
Neog said the master plan will actively encourage youth participation to address unemployment. “With a five-year master plan, our aim will be to incorporate and encourage participation of youth to address unemployment,” she told reporters. She stressed that Assam’s natural landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage provide ideal conditions for eco-tourism and that future planning will seek to balance environmental conservation with economic development.
Describing the pillars of eco-tourism, the minister said: “The basis of eco-tourism is first nature, then human resources and development. When all these three co-exist, that takes shape as eco-tourism. For this we have to protect our ecology, environment and heritage, ensure logistics and then economic growth.” She added that tourism growth should not be restricted to single sites but should benefit surrounding communities.
Highlighting rural tourism, Neog said villages can become important destinations through homestays and community-based models. “Instead of expensive hotels, if we try to turn villages into tourist accommodations and homestays, it will help rural tourism as Assam has around 26,000 villages,” she said. Referring to a proposed homestay policy, the minister said the government will support rural tourism infrastructure and local livelihoods, with self-help groups eligible for financial assistance of up to Rs 1 crore each to develop homestays.
Neog said the broader vision for tourism will prioritize economic development, employment generation and environmental sustainability. She visited Jongal Balahu Garh — the historic capital of the Tiwa king Jongal Balahu — where a modern tourism complex costing nearly Rs 100 crore is nearing completion and is expected to open to the public soon, showcasing Tiwa heritage and aiming for national and international appeal.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/five-yr-blueprint-in-works-as-assam-govt-bets-on-eco-tourism-growth-ajanta-neog-1613837
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Publish Date: 2026-07-03 17:34:00
