Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: On the fourth day of the Jharkhand Assembly’s winter session, the government withdrew four private university bills while clearing the Jharkhand Tourism Development and Registration Amendment Bill 2025. The withdrawn bills pertained to private university proposals that no longer align with updated norms for establishing such institutions.
Four University Bills Withdrawn Over Revised Criteria
The Assembly withdrew the CV Raman Global University Bill 2023, Arogyam International University Bill 2023, Jain University Bill 2023, and Shine National University Bill 2023. These bills had been passed in earlier sessions but were recalled due to changes in standards and procedures governing private universities.
The Speaker informed the House that a total of 12 petitions have been approved since December 5 and will be forwarded to relevant departments for action.
Debate Over Tourism Bill: Call for Greater Role of Local Representatives
During discussions on sending the Tourism Development and Registration Amendment Bill 2025 to a select committee, MLA Raj Sinha argued that local legislators should be given formal authority in tourism-related decision-making. He noted that key information often remains confined to officials and district administrations.
Sinha highlighted issues such as the deterioration of Dhanbad’s Bhatiyaa Falls, frequent drowning incidents, and lack of facilities for local divers. He stressed that Jharkhand’s tourism potential must be treated as an industry to enhance revenue and development.
MLAs Demand Representation in Tourism Committees
MLA Naveen Jaiswal supported Sinha, urging that MLAs from areas with tourism hotspots be nominated to related committees. He argued that local representatives can provide more informed and practical guidance for tourism development.
He reiterated that tourism is a major industry with significant untapped potential in Jharkhand.
Government Clarifies Structure of New Tourism Administration Units
Tourism Minister Sudivya Sonu explained that the new amendment bill proposes creating administrative units at tourism locations. These units will be empowered to collect vehicle entry fees and manage site-level operations.
District Commissioners will chair these authorities, with other members nominated by the tourism department. The government assured that adequate resources will be provided for smooth functioning.
The bill also includes provisions for removing encroachments, establishing structured parking areas, and imposing financial penalties for violations. Sonu noted that operating these authorities through gram sabhas would not be practical, hence the streamlined committee structure.
