Bihar Government Employees Required to Explore Tourist Attractions Quarterly

The Bihar Government has announced an innovative initiative requiring state employees to embark on a mandatory two-day trip to various tourist attractions like the Mahabodhi Temple, the Great Buddha Statue, etc., every three months, accompanied by their families. They will then provide the government with insights and recommendations on enhancing these destinations.

The directive, issued by the Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD) on May 20, emphasizes that these travels should ideally occur on Fridays and Saturdays. Each trip must encompass visits to at least three tourist destinations, particularly focusing on eco-tourism and rural tourism sites located outside their home districts. Employees are expected to stay overnight at these locations, which will officially count as work-related duty time.

After returning, employees are instructed to compile a comprehensive report detailing their experiences, the attractions visited, and relevant photographs. These reports must be submitted to their respective department heads or to the District Magistrate. Importantly, officials will not be allowed to hold review meetings, inspections, or work from their residences during these excursions.

A senior government official, wishing to remain anonymous, explained that the initiative aims to revitalize local tourism infrastructure, stimulate regional economies, and enrich the cultural experience. To facilitate this process, designated nodal officers will gather the reports from various departments to ensure they reach the departments of Tourism, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Arts, Culture, and Youth.

The GAD directive has already been circulated to all relevant department heads, Divisional Commissioners, District Magistrates, and Superintendents of Police. The initiative underscores Bihar's rich cultural diversity and historical significance, positioning the state to transform several of its destinations into national and international tourism hubs.

“Encouraging officials to visit these significant sites and offer suggestions will further aid tourism development and improve the related infrastructure,” the unnamed official further remarked.

Welcoming the directive, Pramod Kumar Chandravanshi, the minister responsible for the Art, Culture and Youth Department, expressed optimism about the positive impact on Bihar's rich artistic and cultural heritage, highlighting that such efforts will undoubtedly enhance the state's artistic landscape.