Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: Tourism development in Jharkhand is set to gain momentum with the passage of the Jharkhand Tourism Development and Registration (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Assembly on Wednesday. The amended law aims to streamline the functioning of tourism authorities and resolve administrative challenges more effectively.
Key Provisions of the Amended Act
The revised act, officially titled the Jharkhand Tourism Development and Registration (Amendment) Act, 2025, will apply across the entire state. Each tourism authority will include a chairperson, a managing director, and a member secretary, all of whom will be appointed by the state government.
The deputy commissioner of the concerned district will serve as the authority’s chairperson. In cases where an authority’s jurisdiction spans two districts, the chairperson will be selected based on area and administrative convenience. Monthly meetings will be conducted at dates specified by the chairperson.
Powers and Structure of the Tourism Authority
The authority has been vested with significant powers to address encroachments on roads, drains, land, and properties under its jurisdiction. These powers mirror those granted to municipal commissioners under Chapter 17 and Sections 25, 26, 27, 37, and 608(2) of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, 2011.
The existing provisions of the 2015 Tourism Act will continue unchanged.
The managing director of the authority will be the deputy development commissioner or another officer notified by the government, and will also function as the vice-chairperson. The district tourism nodal officer or an administrative service officer of equivalent rank will serve as the member secretary.
Operational Responsibilities Outlined in the Bill
The bill clarifies the duties of the member secretary, who will:
• Operate under the general guidance of the chairperson and managing director
• Receive all funds on behalf of the authority and maintain proper accounts
• Disburse salaries, allowances, and operational expenses
• Certify and authenticate official orders issued by the authority
