‘Deptt incurred expenses of Rs. 1,52,299 out of office expenses Head to procure masks, sanitizers, gloves’
Riyaz Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 29: The Jammu and Kashmir tourism department has stated that the government didn’t allocate any funds to the tourism sector on account of COVID-19 pandemic from March-03 to June-30 in the ensuing year.
Besides, the department has incurred expenses to the tune of Rs. 1,52,299 out of its own office expenses to cater to the immediate requirements.
Official documents available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveal: “No specific budgetary allocation was made to this domain on account of COVID-19 from March-03 to June-30.”
“However, the tourism department has incurred expenses to the tune of Rs. 1,52,299 out of office expenses to cater the immediate requirements of masks, sanitizers and gloves etc on account of COVID-19 pandemic,” it reads.
This information was revealed by the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the tourism department in a reply to the queries of a Right to Information (RTI) application.
In a query about the details of rehabilitation plan, financial assistance and loan facility on low interest rate for registered tourist guides Ponnywalas, Shikara, Houseboat Owners and Hoteliers in Kashmir Division, the PIO said that the funds to the tune of Rs. 87,60,000 was sanctioned by Government of India (GoI).
“The funds to the tune of Rs. 87,60,000 was sanctioned by GoI for tourist traders out of which Rs 21,61,000 and Rs 21,34,000 were disbursed by assistant director tourism of Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Rs. 36,67,000 was disbursed by accounts officer of directorate of tourism Kashmir to the eligible beneficiaries,” it reads—(KNO)
