States advised to deploy Tourist Police

New Delhi, Mar 1 (UNI) The Tourism Ministry has advised the state governments to deploy 'Tourist Police' at important tourist destinations to ensure the safety and security of monuments and foreign tourists, the government informed the Lok Sabha today.

In a written reply, Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are among thestates which have already deployed 'Tourist Police' in one form or another.

Ms Soni said law and order is a subject which falls under the purview of the State/Union Territory concerned.

''However, in order to ensure the safety and security of tourists, the Ministry of Tourism has been making endeavour to persuade the State Governments/Union Territories to deploy tourist police and make appropriate security arrangements at important destinations in the country,'' she added.

UNI