Centre to promote state's Sufi circuits

The Union tourism ministry has decided to promote sites connected to Sufi circuit in Bihar. Union minister for tourism Subodh Kant Sahay on Wednesday announced that the Centre would provide funds to develop the Sufi circuits in Bihar.

"Buddhist circuits have been well developed here. They are drawing ever growing number of tourists. similarly, the Sufi circuits will be developed in the same pattern," he said, adding that the Sufi sites at Biharsharif, Manersharif, Munger, Phulwarisharif and several other spots will boost the state's economy.

Sahay said this while inaugurating the new Patna office of Indian tourism here.

"Bihar lacks basic infrastructure in attracting more tourists. The flow of tourists to Bihar has increased manifold. Soon after arrival, tourists start thinking about their return. This is because of lack of proper communication linkage and infrastructure," he said.

Pointing out that the state government has failed to develop adequate infrastructure, Sahay said: "The state government should work to promote tourism which will generate more employment than any other industry. An investment of Rs 10 lakh produces 89 jobs in tourism but the same investment in any other sector will generate only a few jobs," Sahay said.

He said the Bihar government was not serious in pursuing several central projects. "Lack of seriousness and interests impairs several such projects," he said.

"There are only two to three good hotels in Bihar. There is an urgent need to construct more and more hotels in the state," Sahay added.

The new tourism building has been constructed to facilitate the promotion of tourism in Bihar. The Union tourism ministry has plans to prepare projects in the next financial year to further develop the building. Assistant director general India tourism Sanjay Shreevats elaborated on the promotion of tourism in Bihar.