Pointing out that tourism development is directly linked with employment generation, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav informed on Sunday that investment proposals worth Rs 3500 crore were received at the Gwalior Tourism Conclave held on 29-30 August, and Letters of Allotment (LOAs) were issued to six investors, paving the way for investments of over Rs 60 crore and significant job creation.
“As tourism grows, new job opportunities are created”, the CM noted.
Chief Minister Yadav informed that tourism in India is growing rapidly, and Madhya Pradesh is keeping pace with this progress. He highlighted that last year, Madhya Pradesh received the highest number of tourists in the country for religious tourism.
Dr Yadav further said that Madhya Pradesh has many sites of historical and archaeological significance. “Of the 66 heritage sites recognised across India, 27 are located in Madhya Pradesh, which is a matter of great pride for the state”, Dr Yadav stated.
He said that Madhya Pradesh’s rich forests and wildlife present immense potential for eco-tourism. The state is home to the country’s first National Cheetah Sanctuary at Kuno, a gharial sanctuary along the Chambal River, and conservation programmes for endangered turtle species. This year, the Madhav National Tiger Park was also inaugurated.
He added, “Through tourism development, we are working to ensure a brighter and more prosperous future for Madhya Pradesh, where every youth gets employment.”
He said that, along with boosting national income, tourism also generates large-scale employment opportunities. Tourism and pilgrimage are gateways to prosperity for the nation, especially for Madhya Pradesh. Being the ‘Heart of India’, Madhya Pradesh is giving special priority to tourism development to elevate its global identity. The state government is continuously working to expand and promote tourism through inclusive efforts that connect all sections of society.
CM Dr Yadav further recalled that India’s old Parliament House (1912) was inspired by the design of Morena’s Chausath Yogini Temple, while the new Parliament building has been constructed on the design of Vidisha’s temple, with its dome resembling the Sanchi Stupa.
The CM said that preserving and promoting this heritage will not only make the state economically self-reliant but also strengthen the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar, Viksit and Samruddh Bharat’.
At the tourism conclave, CM Dr Yadav laid foundation stones and launched key initiatives, including Rs. 17 crore development works at the historic Phoolbagh area in Gwalior under ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0’, Rs. 58.46 crore development works at Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University, and the Launch of Craftgroom e-commerce platform (with Delberto) to promote traditional crafts and weaving.
The Action Plan for conservation and beautification for Gwalior Fort was also released on the occasion.