Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka recently held a meeting with officials from various departments, including Prohibition & Excise, Tourism, Culture, and Archaeology. The meeting took place at Dr BR Ambedkar Secretariat in Hyderabad. Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao was also present. During the meeting, Deputy CM discussed the importance of finding new sources to increase excise revenue without raising liquor prices. He also emphasized the need to establish elite bars and shops in a fair and consistent manner. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of creating multidimensional teams to combat drug abuse and raise awareness about its harmful effects.
Deputy CM also highlighted the potential for temple tourism and eco-tourism in the state. He urged the departments of endowment, tourism, and RTC to work together to develop temple tourism. Additionally, he mentioned the possibility of utilizing forests for eco-tourism. However, he pointed out that the state has not been able to fully capitalize on these opportunities due to a lack of effective marketing. Therefore, he urged officials to formulate a comprehensive tourism policy and identify specific destinations for development as tourist centers. He also emphasized the importance of promoting the state’s cultural heritage to international audiences.
Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao expressed that the government cannot solely undertake all tourism projects. He suggested the need for guidelines that would encourage private players to invest in tourism infrastructure projects.
During the meeting, the Excise Department proposed constructing office buildings and strengthening check posts as part of their budget proposals. The Tourism Department also sought funds for developing new tourist destinations and completing ongoing projects.
The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary Finance Ramakrishna Rao, Special Chief Secretary Excise Sunil Sharma, Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Sailaja Ramaiyer, as well as senior officials from the excise, tourism, culture, and archaeology departments.
