Diya Kumari Reviews Tourism & Culture Departments, Calls for Swift Implementation of Budget Announcements

Jaipur, March 2026 : Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and Minister for Tourism, Art, Literature & Culture, and Archaeology, chaired a review meeting at the Tourism Bhawan on Wednesday to assess various schemes, projects, and the implementation of budget announcements related to the departments.

The meeting was attended by Onkar Singh Lakhawat, Chairman of the Rajasthan Heritage Authority, and Praveen Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism, Art, Literature & Culture, and Archaeology departments, along with other senior officials.

During the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister directed officials to ensure swift implementation of pending budget announcements for the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26. She also instructed that time-bound plans be prepared for the 2026–27 budget announcements, including coordination with implementing agencies to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and cost proposals for further action.

Diya Kumari directed that Rajasthan Day Week be celebrated across the state with great grandeur from March 14 to 19, showcasing regional folk arts and highlighting the rich art and cultural heritage of the state. She also instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive plan for the grand celebration of the 300th foundation anniversary of Jaipur on November 18, 2027.

She further instructed that dance festivals based on famous regional dance styles be organised at every divisional level in the state under the 2026–27 budget announcements, providing local folk artists a platform and giving tourists an opportunity to experience regional culture.

To enhance tourism in Jaipur, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the Tourism Department to operate day and night bus tours in collaboration with private partners. She said luxury buses decorated with images of major tourist monuments should be introduced for these tours.

Reviewing the Tourist Assistance Force, Diya Kumari instructed officials to organise refresher courses for tourist guides, providing them with professional training from experts in culture and history so that tourists receive authentic information about the state’s heritage during their visits. She also directed the Tourism Department to expedite work on a dedicated mobile app and web portal that will include details related to the Tourist Assistance Force.

The Deputy Chief Minister also issued directions for the early implementation of key tourism initiatives, including the Maharana Pratap Tourist Circuit, Pushkar Project, and the Tribal Tourist Circuit.

While reviewing the departments of Art, Literature & Culture and Archaeology, she sought updates on the conservation of the historic havelis of Shekhawati and directed officials to accelerate the restoration work. She instructed that clusters of havelis be identified and a detailed action plan prepared under the 2026–27 budget announcement, for which the state government has allocated ₹200 crore.

She also reviewed the conservation and restoration of 11 identified stepwells (baoris) in the state and directed that restoration work should be carried out using original architectural styles and similar materials.

Diya Kumari noted that the Government of India is actively working to preserve and promote the country’s art, culture, and history, and that the state government is equally committed to these efforts. She highlighted initiatives like the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar portal, which connects local cultural heritage with a global audience.

She also reviewed the work related to preservation of manuscripts and archival records in the state and directed officials to ensure the work is completed with seriousness and efficiency.

The Deputy Chief Minister further discussed the renovation of the Jaipur Kathak Kendra and the upgradation of cultural institutions such as Jawahar Kala Kendra, Shilpgram, and Ravindra Rangmanch, issuing necessary directions for their development.

Senior officials from the Tourism, Art & Culture, and Archaeology departments were also present at the meeting.