THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Principal Investigator Prof. S. P. Bansal

Vice Chancellor, Indira Gandhi University, Rewari

Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam

Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh

Paper Coordinator Dr. Prashant K. Gautam

Director, UIHTM, Panjab University, Chandigarh

Paper Co-Coordinator Dr. Amit Katoch

Assistant Professor UIHTM, Panjab University Chandigarh

Content Writer Dr. Amit Katoch

Assistant Professor UIHTM, Panjab University Chandigarh

Content Reviewer Prof. Sheeba Hamid

Department Of Commerce (Tourism), Aligarh Muslim

University

Paper 12: Tourism planning and sustainable Development

Module 07: An outline of L K Jha Committee, 1963

TERMS DESCRIPTION OF MODULE

Subject Name Tourism & Hospitality

Paper Name Tourism planning and sustainable Development

Module No. 7

Module Title An outline of L K Jha committee 1963

Objectives To study the concept of L K Jha committee and its implications

Keywords Ad hoc committee, Standing committee, ITDC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Learning Outcome

2. Introduction

3. Meaning of Parliamentary committees

3.1 Permanent committees

3.2 Ad hoc committees

4. Recommendations of L K Jha committee

5. Indian Tourism Development corporation

6. Summary

QUADRANT-I

AN OUTLINE OF L K JHA COMMITTEE, 1963

1. Learning Objectives

After completing this module, students you will be able to:

Understand the meaning and Concept of Parliamentary committee

Understand the difference between Ad hoc and standing committee

Recommendations of L K Jha committee

Indian Tourism Development corporation (ITDC)

2. Introduction

On 1st March, 1958, In the Ministry of Transport, a separate department was created to

deal with all matters concerning Tourism. This new department started working under the charge

of the Director General. He was assisted by one Deputy Director General and four Directors, each

in charge of Administration, Publicity, Travel Relations and Planning & Development. The

tourism was growing at a good pace. But, in 1961-62, there was a decline in Tourist Traffic to

India from 1, 39,804 (in 1961) to 1, 34, 036 (in 1962). This prompted the Government to appoint an

Ad hoc committee on Tourism in March, 1963, under the chairmanship of L. K. Jha, which was

named as L K Jha committee (Raina & Aggarwal, 2004).

3. Meaning of the Parliamentary committees

The parliament of India is involved in a number of tasks for the well-being of the country

and to develop the various areas. Whatever issues, matters, problems or concerns which come

under the ambit of the parliament. Their considerable or sizable work has been done by the

parliamentary committees. Whether, it is the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, the structure of these

committees remains the same with some minor differences. Their work, terms of office, tasks

(objectives) or processes (route) for doing the work assigned to them are generally similar or

change with marginal variations and are controlled (regulated) by the rules or regulations made

under the Article 118(1) of the constitution and guidelines (directions) issued by the Rule 389 of

the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Lok Sabha. All these parliamentary

committees can be broadly categorized into two types i.e. the Ad hoc Committees and the standing

committees. They are different from each other in terms of terms, functions and nature.

The Indian parliament comprises two houses i.e. Lok Sabha (elected by people) and Rajya

Sabha (elected by state legislatures or state assemblies). They carry out various functions such

making laws, policy, Regulator of the council of ministers and Prime Minister, Passing of the

budget (i.e. the economic plan), modifying (amending) the Constitution, and Ventilation and

elimination of public grievances. The Lok Sabha has only the right to introduce money bills and

passing of no confidence motion, while Rajya Sabha has also got equal rights to amend the

Constitution and got special powers to shift state subjects (in state list) to union subjects (union

list). The functions of the parliament (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha) are very comprehensive and

significant. Therefore, the time required for all the functions is very inadequate. Hence,

parliamentary committees are constituted to deal sorts of issues. Their term, appointment,

procedures and functions are more or less similar and they are controlled (regulated) under certain

rules prepared by these houses.

3.1 Permanent committees

Standing committee is a permanent body or committee as of a legislature, a society etc.

Usually these committee are formed for a longer period of time or duration , the main purpose of

these committee are to take certain decision and form various policies for the attainment of

different objectives set by them. These committees are long-lasting i.e. permanent in nature and

formed under the aegis of the Houses (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) under the rules for the purpose

of allowing legislation in varied areas or diverse subject spheres. The standing committees

comprehensively evaluate the statutes’ or laws given by the legislator’s and votes on amendments

to bills. These committees are the legal or legislative bodies which review the policies by minutely

seeing the vital aspects required, holding expert hearings and examine substantial proofs (i.e.

evidences). And, then making suitable changes in law, rules or statutes. Then, the bills that are

cleared or permitted by these standing committees, they finally go to the Lok Sabha or Rajya

Sabha for deliberation.

The standing committees are made every year or periodically as the work assigned to it

goes on an incessant basis. Some of its famous examples are Committees on Estimates, Public

Accounts, and Public Undertakings. These were formed on 8th April, 1993. Some other standing

committees are Committees on Inquire; Committee of Privileges; Business Advisory Committee;

Rules Committee; Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes; House

Committee; Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances; Joint Committee on offices of Profit;

The Library Committee; and Ethics Committee.

3.2 Ad hoc Committee

An ad hoc committee is a committee formed for a specific purpose or task, and is dissolved

or removed after the successful completion of task or work or achievement of the objectives; most

of the committee other then standing committee are of ad hoc type. The sole purpose of the

committee is to fulfil or achieve the goals for a particular task and at the end of the completion the

committee is dissolved. In other words, an ad hoc committee is a committee formed by the

government or other organisations for a specific purpose or task, the main role or functions of the

committee is to form some objectives or targets and implement them at ground level in order to

reach or achieve the desired goals or objectives, this committee is dissolved or removed after the

successful completion of task or work or achievement of the objectives, most of the committee

other than standing committee are of ad hoc type. Some of their examples are Joint committees on

bills, railway convention committees, area specific committees on various subjects like L.K. Jha

Committees.

The ad hoc committees are of two types: the first category of ad hoc committee is

constituted by the houses to investigate (enquire) and inform (report) on particular (specific)

subjects such as stock market scam, Bofors contract and drafting of five year plans. While, the

second category i.e. the joint or select committees are appointed to deliberate (consider) and

inform (report) on particular bills. Some examples of such committees are - The Business

Advisory Committee; The Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions; Select

Committees on Bills; The Committee on Petitions; The Estimates Committee etc.

Conclusion: The parliamentary committees are large in structure and are suggestive

(recommendatory) in nature. They are not obligatory (mandatory), but prime minister being a

chairman of these committees makes a great difference in their acceptance and effectivity. The

basic motive of these committees is to make the young members of parliament experienced,

trained and to make them comprehend the dynamics of democracy. Some ad hoc or departmental

committees keep the administration in effect by highlighting certain issues which can bring

direction and efficiency.

4. Recommendations of L K Jha committee

The L K Jha committee was formed in March, 1963 under the chairmanship of L K Jha to see

why there was decrease in the number of tourist’s traffic to India. As, a result, several steps were

taken. There were opening of additional tourist offices abroad in order to create more awareness

about India as a tourist destination globally, so that proper marketing and promotion can be done

and more and more international tourists can be attracted to India, which would also help in

increase the number of inbound tourists. The grant of landing Permits on arrival to Tourists

coming without Visa for more than 72 hours or visa on arrival, which would make the process of

getting a visa easier for international tourists and encourage more and more tourists to travel in

India.

Setting up of three government corporations to develop hotels, transportation and

entertainment facilities:

Hotel: More hotels and other accommodation facilities should be developed in order to give world

class facilities to both national and international tourists. And focus should be more on

encouraging international hotel chains in India.

Figure 7.1: The Ashok - A Five Star Luxury Hotel in New Delhi

(Source: http://www.theashok.com/hotel-img/front-night.jpg)

Transportation: A separate corporation or body should be formed in order to improve and

develop the existing transportation within in the country i.e. airways, roadways, railways or

waterways, which also help in connecting different tourist circuits in the country and would also

help in the improvement of transportation sector and increase the accessibility.

Figure 7.1 A: The mode of transport for tourism

(Source link: http://www.venturaxllc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Transportation.jpg)

Entertainment facilities: For improvement of entertainment facilities in the country, the

committee suggested to form a separate corporation which would look after the improvement and

development of entertainment facilities like shopping malls, cinema hall, Nature Park, water parks

for children, sound and light shows at various monuments etc.

Figure 7.2: Entertainment Facilities

(Source:http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/static/photo/1x/Playground-Entertainment-Facilities-Game-2421577.jpg)

Need to build 5500 additional hotel rooms within the next 5 years:

The L K Jha committee suggested to develop more infrastructure for accommodation like hotels of

different categories like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 5 star deluxe, motels, cottages, home stays and

accommodation units like Bed and Breakfast etc., in order to fulfil the demand of international

tourists of all categories and to overcome the problem of less occupancy so as to give choice for

tourist to choose their accommodation accordingly and fulfil the existing demand and also meet

the international standards.

Official approval of restaurants, shops, and guides:

The government should give or allow official approvals for starting up restaurants, cafes and other

food units, souvenir shops and guide license should me made easy and simple, less formalities

should be there to start a small business or enterprise in order to fulfil the demand of various

tourists travelling from abroad to various parts of the country, which would give enough choices to

the tourist at different tourist destinations throughout the country.

More encouragement should be given to international food chains and language speaking guides

and other international brands so as to meet the demand and fulfil the international standards.

Figure 7.3: Restaurant in the Ashok Hotel, New Delhi

(Source:http://www.theashok.com/dining.html)

Provision of shopping and entertainment facilities:

L K Jha committee also made provisions for improvement and development of shopping areas and

malls and other entertainment facilities like nature parks, pubs, fun parks, casinos cinema halls etc.

Keeping in mind to overcome the demand of leisure tourists. In order to maintain a sufficient

shopping and entertainment facilities certain provision were given by the committee.

Figure 7.4: Serendipity Take 9 - Diwali Shopping Festival at the Ashok Hotel

(Source:http://www.delhievents.com/2016/10/shop-serendipity-take-9-diwali-shopping.html)

Improvements of facilities at airports:

Improvement of various facilities like restaurants, cafes, proper toilets, lobby and small shops and

waiting areas at various airports throughout the country should be kept in mind in order to maintain

a world class standard.

Figure 7.5: New Delhi Airport among top five in 2012.

(Source:http://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/story/three-indian-airports-among-worlds-top-5/

792240)

Figure 7.5 A: The tourism Facilities present at the Airport

(Source:http://www.haneda-airport.com/images/haneda-airport-facilities.jpg)

Figure 7.6: Hyderabad International airport, a green facility.

(Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/slideshows/infrastructure/hyderabad-airport-rated-

as-indias-best/green-facility/slideshow/19832203.cms)

Provision of adequate connectivity by Indian airlines:

Focus was on improving the professional level of the Indian airlines, which would help in

improving the connectivity with other parts of the world and accessibility in the country and

organize a safe travel for tourist travelling to India or outside.

Integrated development of few selected tourist Centre:

The committee suggested opening of tourist Centre at all major tourist destination, which would

help in providing services and information to tourist about the various tourist attractions and things

to do at different tourist attractions. And tourist would get correct information and quality services.

Figure 7.7:Integrated development of Tourist destination.

(Source:http://www.atkinsglobal.com/en-gb/group/sectors-and-services/services/architecture)

Increase tourist publicity

There is a need for tourist publicity both at national level and international level ,proper steps

should be taken in marketing and promotion of India as an around the year destination at a global

level, tourism products like heritage , culture and customs, geographical features, cuisine, dance

forms, music etc. should be showcased through various tools like print media ,social media ,TV

commercials, by organizing different events, which could help to cater more number of both

domestic and international tourists.

Training of immigration and customer staff:

Proper facilities for training of immigration and customer staff should be encouraged so as to

develop world class immigration facilities and customer staff in the country.

Figure 7.8:Training of staff.

(Source:http://www.sophiyaconsultants.com/pics/17.jpg)

Stoppage of leakage of foreign exchange

There should be a check on leakage of foreign exchange earnings from international tourists,

certain committee should be formed who can keep an eye on the leakage and maintain a stoppage

on these practices.

Figure 7.9:Leakage of money from Economy- Example of Kenya

(Source: https://newint.org/features/2008/03/01/mainstream-tourism/)

Establishment of a standing committee of main departments of the governments dealing

with tourism for reviewing adequacies:

There should be establishment of a standing committee for all main departments of the

governments dealing with tourism, which would be responsible for reviewing various problems

and adequacies arising in the tourism industry.

In the year1965, a high level coordination committee was appointed to implement the

recommendations of the Jha Committee in the industry. Three separate corporations were setup in

India to tackle the problems arising which were as follows:

Tourism Corporation Limited (TCI)

Tourism corporation limited was set up to look after the various tourism happening in the country,

their role and responsibility was to set up certain standards and rules and regulation for tourism

related activities in the country and look after the problems arising in the industry.

Hotel Corporation of India Limited (HCIL)

Hotel Corporation of India limited was step up in order to look after the hospitality sector within

the country, their responsibility was to set up certain standards and set of rules and regulations

which are to be maintained or followed by each hotel in the country and also look after the

malpractices happening in the hospitality industry.

India tourism transport undertaking limited

India tourism transport undertaking limited was established in order to fulfil the demand for

transportation i.e. (airways, roadways, railways, waterways) in the country and their role was to set

up certain rules and guidelines which are to be followed by all and also to maintain certain

standards and try to overcome the various malpractices.

Due to some problems and poor coordination amongst them, these three corporations did not seem

to be working well and failed to maintain standards and lately were, therefore, amalgamated into

one corporation with effect from 1stOctober 1966. The new corporation was called India Tourism

Development Corporation Ltd.(Kotler & Makens, 1999).

5. India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.

ITDC was established in October 1966 and has been the prime mover in the progressive

development, promotion and expansion of tourism in the country. Broadly, the main objectives of

the Corporation are:

To construct, take over and manage existing hotels and market hotels, Beach Resorts, Travellers

Lodges/Restaurants

To provide transport, entertainment, shopping and conventional services;

To produce, distribute, tourist publicity material

To render consultancy-cum-managerial services in India and abroad

To carry on the business as Full-Fledged Money Changers (FFMC), restricted money changers

etc.

To provide innovating, dependable and value for money solutions to the needs of tourism

development and engineering industry including providing consultancy and project

implementation.

The authorized capital of the Corporation is Rs 75 crores and the paid up capital as on 31.3.2005

was Rs 67.52 crores. The 89.9748% of the paid up equity capital of the Corporation is held in the

name of President of India.

The Corporation is running hotels, restaurants at various places for tourists, besides providing

transport facilities. In addition, the Corporation is engaged in production, distribution and sale of

tourist publicity literature and providing entertainment and duty free shopping facilities to the

tourists. The Corporation has diversified into new avenues/innovative services like Full-Fledged

Money Changer (FFMC) services, engineering related consultancy services etc. The Ashok

Institute of Hospitality & Tourism Management of the Corporation imparts training and education

in the field of tourism and hospitality.

Presently, ITDC has a network of eight Ashok Group of Hotels, six Joint Venture Hotels, two

Restaurants (including one Airport Restaurant), 12 Transport Units, one Tourist

Figure 7.10: Leakage of money from Economy- Example of Kenya

(Source:http://sarkarilife.com/13147/government-job-india-tourism-development-corporation-to-

recruit-asst-company-secretary)

Service Station, 37 Duty Free Shops at International as well as Domestic Customs Airports, one

Tax Free outlet and two Sound & Light Shows.

Besides, ITDC is also managing a hotel at Bharatpur and a restaurant at Kosi on behalf of the

Department of Tourism. In addition, it is also managing catering services at Western Court,

Vigyan Bhawan, Hyderabad House and National Media Press Centre at Shastri Bhawan, New

Delhi(Hanman & Deikmann, 2010).

6. Summary

L K Jha committee focuses on development of various sectors like (Transportation,

accommodation, entertainment facilities) in order to meet the expectations of the international

tourists travelling to India. The focus was overall development of accommodation, transport,

entertainment facilities, airports etc.LK Jha committee also gave suggestions for promotion of

India as anall the year round destination in overseas market. They also recommended or

suggested for the establishment of three corporations i.e. (Tourism Corporation Limited, Hotel

Corporation of India Limited, Hotel Corporation of India Limited) for the development of

tourism industry. Later on, there were some problems and poor coordination amongst these three

corporations. These organizations did not seem to be working well and failed to maintain

standards. And lately these were amalgamated into one corporation with effect from 1stOctober

1966. The new corporation was called India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. Since the

establishment of ITDC, it has been playing a crucial role in the development of hotels and

resorts, providing transport, entertainment, shopping and conventional services, and also acts as

consultancy-cum-managerial services in India and abroad. It has been playing a crucial role in

marketing and promotion of tourism also.