Empowering Women, Enriching Communities: The Jharkhand Tourism Model

Giridih: Jharkhand, a state brimming with mineral wealth and untapped potential, holds incredible promise for the tourism industry. Despite its natural beauty and historical significance, it remains underexplored, with a modest place on India’s tourist map. But that’s about to change.

Soon, Jharkhand will emerge as a must-visit destination, offering unique and unforgettable experiences for both domestic and international travellers.

A Glorious Legacy

Carved out of Bihar in the year 2000, Jharkhand was once celebrated as a health resort. Before the state’s formation, the region was part of South Bihar, where several iconic Bengali figures sought refuge in the summer months.

This is the land where Sir JC Bose invented the groundbreaking Crescograph machine, proving that plants too possess life, and where the legendary statistician PC Mahalanobis established India’s second Indian Statistical Institute. Gomoh Railway Station, from which Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose made his historic escape, is now aptly renamed Subhash Chandra Bose Gomoh Railway Station.

Beyond these historical milestones, the state is making headlines with thrilling initiatives—Jamshedpur’s first skydiving show, a partnership with Make My Trip, plans to build four spectacular glass bridges, and the introduction of mining tourism, night safaris, and expansive tourist circuits.

In light of these developments, eNewsroom interviewed Jharkhand’s Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar Sonu to shed light on the ministry’s ambitious plans for transforming the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Sudivya Kumar Sonu, Tourism Minister:

“When I assumed the role of Tourism Minister, I immediately noticed a few key issues that needed to be addressed for the state to realize its full tourism potential. The most glaring one was the disproportionate allocation of funds, with 70% focused on religious tourism and only 30% directed towards other areas. My aim is to balance this, ensuring that the diverse aspects of Jharkhand’s tourism—its rich culture, nature, and heritage—are given equal prominence.”

Overcoming Departmental Silos

“The second challenge lies in the fact that most of Jharkhand’s prime tourist spots are situated in forest areas, and historically, there’s been little collaboration between the tourism and forest departments. The result? Tourist amenities often end up built far from the prime spots, lacking the perfect views and connectivity tourists expect. Addressing this has been a key focus of mine.”

Revitalizing JETA

“One of the first steps I took was to address the dormant state of the Jharkhand Ecotourism Amenities (JETA) committee, established under Supreme Court guidelines in 2017. It had been inactive, existing only on paper. I made it my mission to revamp JETA and tasked it with the responsibility of developing world-class eco-tourism amenities in our scenic tourist destinations.”

Empowering Women in JFMC

“In the Joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC), women representation had been limited to 33%, with the remaining 66% comprised of men. I firmly believe that women are better entrepreneurs, so I proposed increasing female participation to 50%. The department agreed, and now women will make up half of the JFMC groups, bringing a fresh perspective to forest and tourism management.”

Strategic Collaborations with Hospitality Experts

“We’ve partnered with hotel management institutes to train locals in the art of hospitality—everything from making bedsheets to serving food with the finest standards of service. We’re committed to offering both standard and local cuisine to cater to the diverse tastes of our visitors. Most tourists currently come from Bengal and, often, budget is a concern. To address this, we’re looking to introduce homestays, a model I found incredibly successful during my visit to Sikkim.”

Revenue Sharing for Sustainability

“Revenue from eco-tourism activities will be shared with a clear distribution model: 60% will go to JETA to maintain and expand eco-tourism facilities, and 40% will go to the JFMC to ensure that local communities benefit through food services and other provisions.”

Transforming JTDC into a Self-Sustaining Model

“Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation (JTDC) currently manages 49 hotels, but they have not been performing up to their potential. I sent teams to Kerala and Odisha to study their self-sustainable models, and now we are introducing the same practices here. We plan to bring in professional managers from renowned hospitality brands like the Taj Group, Radisson, and Sterling to ensure that our food and hospitality services meet global standards.”

The Netarhat Utsav: A Cultural Revival

“To promote local culture, we’re launching the Netarhat Utsav, inspired by the successful Kutch Rann Utsav. I visited Kutch myself and saw firsthand how their festival highlights local cuisine, crafts, and cultural activities. From November 15 to December 15, Jharkhand will host a month-long celebration where 80% of the food served will be local, alongside various cultural programs that will showcase the best of Jharkhand’s traditions.”

The state is poised for a transformation that will be evident to the people of Jharkhand—and soon, the world. With bold initiatives and a vision for sustainable tourism, the region is on the brink of becoming one of India’s most sought-after tourist destinations.