Assam's Additional Chief Secretary for the Panchayat & Rural Development, Tea Tribes Welfare, and Tourism, John Berchmans Ekka, shared the state’s roadmap for promoting sustainable tourism while uplifting rural communities through inclusive development initiatives in an exclusive interaction with Kajol Singha for Business North East (BNE).
When asked about future policy changes in Assam's tourism sector, John Berchmans Ekka revealed the state will soon launch a new Tourism Incentive Scheme, which the government has recently approved.
“Tourism has been identified as an industry, and for the first time, we will have an incentive scheme similar to what industrial investors are being offered,” he told BNE, while adding that the name of the scheme will be announced later.
John Berchmans Ekka said this scheme targets to attract private investment in hotels, restaurants, tour operations, health facilities, and other tourism-related businesses. Investors will be eligible for capital subsidies and performance-based incentives based on their contributions to tourism infrastructure.
“If you invest in a hotel or develop tourism-related facilities, there will be some subsidies and incentives,” the IAS explained.
Discussing Assam’s Panchayat and Rural Development initiatives, John Berchmans Ekka expressed pride in the state’s efforts toward women empowerment.
“Over 40 lakh women are associated with 3.6 lakh self-help groups (SHGs). Some earn over Rs 70,000, while others earn more than Rs 1 lakh annually. We call them ‘Lakhpati Didis'," he further revealed.
He further mentioned that the state has already constructed 20 lakh houses over the last 6-7 years when asked about infrastructure development in Assam.
Regarding Lower Assam tourism development, including Barpeta’s Satras, Manas National Park, and Raimona National Park, John Berchmans Ekka said, “We aim to promote the entire state without focusing on specific areas. Tourism must be diversified, with every stakeholder participating. We should also promote Satras, as it is a part of cultural tourism."
He also spoke about how Manas shows potential in cross-border tourism. “People visiting Manas can extend their trip and visit the nearby country Bhutan.”
The bureaucrat also shared updates on luxury hotel investments, mentioning Taj Vivanta and Hyatt, both coming up in Kaziranga National Park. However, he stressed the need to expand homestays and budget hotels to encourage community participation and ensure benefits reach the grassroots level.
“We get diverse tourists, so we must cater to all categories while ensuring the community benefits the most,” he added.
The bureaucrat also emphasized Assam's sustainable tourism agenda. “We are promoting tourism according to the state’s carrying capacity, ensuring that various stakeholders can participate and benefit,” he said.
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Talking about the state's comprehensive approach, focusing on eco-tourism, rural tourism, wildlife tourism, river tourism, and the state’s iconic tea tourism, John Berchmans Ekka said the goal is to showcase Assam’s rich cultural and natural heritage while fostering community involvement.
With tourism identified as a core industry, Assam is setting a bold course toward sustainable development, community empowerment, and investment-driven growth. As the upcoming Tourism Investment Incentive Scheme rolls out, the state anticipates increased private sector involvement, job creation, and enhanced tourism infrastructure - placing Assam firmly on the global tourism map.
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