Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced a new scheme, under which any tourist vehicle operator may apply for an “All India Tourist Authorisation/Permit” through online mode. It will be issued, after relevant documents are submitted and fees deposited, within 30 days of submission of such applications. The new set of rules,to be known as, “All India Tourist Vehicles Authorisation and Permit Rules, 2021” was published on March 10,2021. The new rules will be applicable from April 1, 2021. All existing permits shall continue to be in force during their validity.
The new rules for permits are expected to go a long way in promoting tourism across the States in the country while simultaneously augmenting the revenue of state Governments. The step was discussed at the 39th & 40th Transport Development Council Meetings and was appreciated and concurred to by participants from the states. The rules come as the Ministry is in the pursuit of providing seamless movement to tourist passenger vehicles after the success of goods carriage vehicles under National Permit Regime, according to a PIB release.
Moreover, the scheme allows flexibility in the form of authorisation/permit being granted for a period of three months or its multiples thereof, not exceeding three years at a time. This provision has been incorporated keeping in mind those areas of our country where there is a limited season of tourism and also for those operators who have limited financial capacity. It will also consolidate a central database. The step comes in the context of travel and tourism industry in India increasing manifold in last fifteen years. The growth has been contributed by both domestic and international tourists, and there is a trend of high expectation and consumer experience.