In the newly formed Modi 3.0 government, Mr Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has been appointed as the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism. Mr. Suresh Gopi will serve as the Minister of State in the Tourism Ministry, while Mr. Rao Inderjit Singh will hold the position of Minister of State in the Culture Ministry.
Shekhawat, previously the Union Jal Shakti Minister, replaces G Kishan Reddy as the new Union Culture and Tourism Minister. Suresh Gopi, a first-time Member of Parliament who won a historic victory for the NDA from the Thrissur constituency in Kerala will support him in the tourism ministry. In the Culture Ministry, Shekhawat will collaborate with Rao Inderjit Singh, elected from Gurugram. Singh will additionally oversee the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and the Ministry of Planning. The swearing-in ceremony for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Union Council of Ministers was held on June 9, 2024, in the grand forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Expressing his gratitude and commitment, Shekhawat tweeted, “In fulfilling my duties, I will make every possible effort to ensure continuous progress in the culture and tourism sectors, aiming to build a developed India. Under a decade of leadership from Hon’ble Shri Narendra Modi Ji, India’s rich culture has fascinated the world. Similarly, innovative dimensions have been established in the diverse field of tourism. Coordination between these departments is crucial for developing India. My priority will be to ensure that the growth of these areas benefits every section of society, making every citizen feel connected to the vision of respected Modi ji.”
Suresh Gopi, who scripted an unprecedented win for the NDA from the Thrissur constituency upon his appointment, emphasized the need to understand the responsibilities and capacities of his new role. “I have to learn the Ministry’s dispersal, responsibilities, capacity and how I can participate in the dispersal capacity of the Ministry,” he stated. He acknowledged the significant responsibility and expressed his dedication to contributing to the government’s vision for the future. Suresh Gopi thanked the people of Kerala and Thrissur for their support, which has given him this opportunity.
Prime Minister Modi recently highlighted the crucial role of the tourism sector in India’s future growth. He specifically praised the beauty of Kerala and the rich heritage of Rajasthan, asserting his government’s commitment to elevating Incredible India to new heights. His appointments for the Tourism Ministry, with leaders from Rajasthan and Kerala, reflect his dedication to revitalizing tourism and culture to address poverty and unemployment.
Tourism currently contributes around 9 to 10% of the country’s GDP, and one in every five jobs is linked to this sector. Modi emphasized the immense potential of Kerala’s tourism during a recent interview, pledging to connect global tourists with India’s heritage and aim for World Heritage status for significant sites. The BJP’s plans include developing major tourist destinations in Kerala and establishing new eco-tourism centres, which will create opportunities for tribal families and provide financial support to women for homestays.
During an election campaign visit to Attingal, Kerala, Modi reiterated these commitments, emphasizing the BJP’s resolve to protect coastal areas and support the livelihoods of fishermen, which have been affected by previous government policies. The party also plans to establish clusters for fishery production and processing, further enhancing the local economy.
The new ministers are committed to driving progress in India’s tourism and culture sectors, aiming to fulfil the promises and aspirations of the nation under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
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