Our Correspondent / Agra
Union minister for Culture and Tourism Mahesh Shrama has asked foreign tourists not to wear skirt while travelling in India. He said that it is being instructed for their ‘safety’ in the country.
Sharma, who was in Agra on Sunday, advised women foreign tourists not to wear skirts and other “short” clothes during evenings “for their own safety”.
Talking to media Sharma said, “For their safety, women foreign tourists should not wear short dresses and skirts.”
The minister added that this would also be part of an advisory pamphlet to be given to tourists, as “Indian culture is different from the Western”.
The minister also advised foreign tourists visiting the temple towns of Mathura and Vrindavan to keep the sensitivity of Indian culture in mind.
Sharma said at a meeting of home ministry, PMO and culture ministry a week ago, it was decided to launch a helpline for tourists, especially for foreigners.
“We have asked them (foreign tourists) not to go out alone. Also we are asking them to click pictures of the number plates of taxis they take and send it to their friends, so that drivers also know that he will be caught in case of any untoward incident.
Expecting criticism, he however clarified: “we have not specifically asked them what they should wear or not wear. We are asking them to take precaution while going out at night. We are not trying to change anyone’s preference.,”
The recent data released by the ministry shows a encouraging rise in foreign tourists arriving in India. The data points out to a remarkable rise in e-visa entries. The facility is now available for citizens arriving from 150 countries. The spike in tourist arrivals can be attributed to the thriving e-visa facility.
While alleged racial attacks, harassment and sexual assaults against foreign tourists continue to be a major worry, this, however, has not dampened the spirits of foreign tourists.
Tourism sector is doing well on all counts. Read on to get a fair idea of the state of tourism in India.