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Prateek Jain takes charge as MD, GMVN
By Arun Pratap SinghGarhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 16 Feb: IAS officer Prateek Jain of the 2018 batch today assumed charge as Managing Director of the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN). With the Char Dham Yatra approaching in Uttarakhand, efforts to streamline tourism arrangements have gathered pace. Upon assuming charge as MD, Jain indicated that in view of the forthcoming pilgrimage season, comprehensive improvements would be undertaken in the corporation’s management systems, facilities and revenue model.
Jain reminded that the tariffs of GMVN guest houses, tourist rest houses and transit camps operated under GMVN were reduced by 50 per cent during the winter pilgrimage season. Since then, a revision has been awaited. He shared that the preparations are now underway to revise the rates ahead of the Char Dham Yatra.
Jain also placed emphasis on strengthening GMVN’s brand value and financial position. Through rate revision, improved marketing strategies and promotion of event-based tourism, plans are being formulated to make the corporation more self-reliant and competitive.
After assuming charge, Prateek Jain also held a meeting with officials to review preparations. It is understood that repair work, painting and upgradation of basic amenities at GMVN properties located along the pilgrimage routes to the four shrines of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath will be expedited.
It is learnt that the tariff structure will be updated in accordance with prevailing market rates and rising operational costs so that the corporation’s revenue may increase while ensuring better facilities for pilgrims and tourists.
Every year, lakhs of devotees participate in the Char Dham Yatra, making GMVN’s role particularly significant during the course of the Yatra. Along with the proposed rate revision, plans are also being drawn up for upgrading rooms, strengthening the online booking system and paying special attention to cleanliness standards.
This year, the corporation’s focus will remain on ensuring a better experience and improved management. In view of the increasing number of pilgrims, efforts will also be made to strengthen digital tracking, advance booking systems and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Meanwhile, with an objective to promote tourism, a grand Yoga Mahotsav of one week’s duration will be organised from 16 March. The event is being regarded as a significant step towards giving a fresh impetus to wellness and spiritual tourism in the State. Yoga practitioners, instructors and tourists from across the country and abroad are expected to participate in the festival. The programme will include yoga sessions, meditation workshops, lectures on Ayurveda and cultural presentations. The State Government and GMVN are preparing to organise the event on an international scale.
Uttarakhand already enjoys recognition as a global centre for yoga and spirituality. Such events are expected not only to provide a boost to tourism but also to generate employment opportunities for local residents.
With arrangements being strengthened ahead of the Char Dham Yatra and events such as the Yoga Mahotsav being organised, it is evident that efforts are underway to make the forthcoming tourism season more systematic and attractive. It remains to be seen how effectively the new strategies are implemented on the ground and to what extent they enhance the overall experience of visitors.
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