Republic of India State Governments / Union Territory Administrations have deployed Tourist Police

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
04-April, 2018 17:43 IST

‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibility to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the people rests primarily with the respective State Governments. The State Governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws.

The Ministry of Tourism has taken following measures to ensure safety and protection for the foreign guests:

The Ministry of Tourism has launched the 24x7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline on the toll free number 1800111363 or on a short code 1363 in 12 Languages including 10 international languages and in Hindi & English in February 2016, for domestic and foreign tourists to provide support service in terms of information relating to Travel in India and also offers appropriate guidance to tourists in distress while travelling in India.

A Welcome card with “Tips to enjoy your stay” is being handed over to foreign tourists on their arrival to make the visit of tourists a memorable experience.

The State Governments / Union Territory Administrations of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have deployed Tourist Police, in one form or the other.

The Ministry of Tourism has launched Social Awareness Media Campaigns with the objective of sensitizing stakeholders in the tourism industry as well as the masses and general public about the importance of good conduct and behavior towards tourists and to reinforce the spirit of ‘Atithidevo Bhava’.

The Ministry of Tourism in the year 2010, has launched code of conduct to be adopted by the Indian travel and tourism industry for Safe and Honourable Tourism with the objectives to encourage tourism activities to be undertaken with respect to basic rights like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents, in particular women and children.

The Ministry of Tourism has issued the Guidelines on Safety and Security of Tourists for State Governments /Union Territories and ‘Tips for Travelers’ in September 2014 to stress the importance of safety and risk management, assist in identifying best practices and encourage closer cooperation for ensuring a pleasant experience to the tourists.

This was stated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Ganga Ram Ahir in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.



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Ministry of Tourism
04-April, 2018 17:03 IST
Government targets to increase India’s share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals to 1% in world’s International tourist arrivals by 2020 and 2% by 2025: Tourism Minister

The share of India’s Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in world’s International Tourist Arrivals during 2016 was 0.71%, whereas the share of India’s International Tourist Arrivals (which includes Foreign Tourist Arrivals and arrival of Non Resident Nationals) in world’s International Tourist Arrivals during 2016 was 1.18%.

Government has targeted to increase India’s share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in world’s International tourist arrivals to 1% by 2020 and increase to 2% by 2025.

Ministry of Tourism has two flagship schemes viz. Swadesh Darshan - Integrated Development of Theme Based Tourist Circuits, and PRASHAD - Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive for creation of tourism infrastructure and thereby generating pro-tourism culture in the people.

Ministry has launched Social Awareness Media Campaigns with the objective of sensitizing stakeholders in the tourism industry as well as the general public about the importance of good conduct and behavior towards tourists and to reinforce the spirit of ‘Atithi devo Bhava’.

This information was given by Shri K. J. Alphons, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.


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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Tourism
24-April, 2018 16:39 IST
MOU signed between Indian Culinary Institute and IGNTU, Amarkantak for collaborative degree programmes and research in culinary arts

Academic courses from ICI Noida campus to commence from 2018-19 batch

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism, and Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak in New Delhi today. The MOU was signed for imparting collaborative degree programmes including research in the field of culinary arts. The Minister of State (IC) of Tourism and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Shri K.J Alphons; Secretary (Tourism), Smt. Rashmi Verma and Vice Chancellor, IGNTU, Prof. T.V Kattimani, were present for the signing.

ICI has its campuses at Tirupati and Noida. The academic courses from Noida campus would commence from 2018-19 batch and further batches at Tirupati campus from 2018-19 academic session.

The main objective of setting up of the ICI was to institutionalize a mechanism to support efforts intended to preserve, document, promote and disseminate Indian Cuisine, meet the sectoral requirement of specialists specific to Indian Cuisine, as also of promoting Cuisine as a Niche Tourism product. The ICIs will be Centres of Excellence which will offer structured regular programmes of study specific to culinary arts and culinary management leading to graduate and post graduate level degrees, promote research and innovation, organize demand driven certificate and diploma courses, document and create data base specific to Indian cuisine and commission studies and survey on cuisine. Indian Culinary Institute would provide the appropriate training platform at par with the elite “Chef Schools” functioning in different parts of the developed world.

The ICIs will also help the local youth to get trained in these streams as well as create entrepreneurs and make them self-sufficient. The hotel and tourism industry will also get benefitted by getting the trained and skilled manpower which in turn will enhance their business and thus generate gainful employment.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Tourism
27-April, 2018 18:36 IST
Tourism Minister inaugurates Indian Culinary Institute, Noida Campus

First “Indian Culinary Museum” opened at ICI campus

The Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Noida campus was inaugurated today by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Shri K. J. Alphons in presence of the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma for starting culinary courses. This is in line with the commitment of creating specialized skilled manpower in the field of hospitality and posturing the research and development in Culinary Arts.

Inaugurating the Institute, Shri. K. J. Alphons said that tourism had grown tremendously in the last year for which country's best and varied dishes have played a great role. The Minister also wished that the institute which has been conceived with the guidance & suggestions of great chefs from across the world will come out as one among the best in the world.

Congratulating the Tourism ministry and other partners involved in this new initiative which was completed in a record time of two and half years, Dr. Mahesh Sharma said that the Institute is first of its kind and will be a pride for the nation. He wished that the students should come out in flying colours and will take the country to great heights and spread all over the world.

Smt. Rashmi Verma, Secretary Ministry of Tourism during welcome address mentioned the key role played by experts in the field, great chefs, and officials in conceiving the idea for a world class institute. She said that ‘culinary’ has a huge potential in enhancing the tourism sector and also the institute will play a great role in documenting and research in culinary arts. MLA (Noida Assembly Constituency), Sh. Pankaj Singh graced the occasion as Special Guest.

ICI offers various courses ranging from Diploma, Under Graduate, and Post Graduate to research in Culinary Arts. The graduate and post graduate courses will start from July this academic year.

The NOIDA campus of ICI will also have a state of the art “Indian Culinary Museum” where the rich historical and diversified culinary objects and other literature will be displayed. This will provide a unique platform for preserving the Indian culinary heritage.

Govt. of India commissioned the project of setting up of Indian Culinary Institute, which is a state-of-art Institute and is expected to be at par with the best International Culinary Institutes. For young students, this is the right time to join the culinary industry for jobs and a lucrative and satisfying career. The initiative of Government of India by commissioning Indian Culinary Institute, Noida will fulfill dreams of many of the students to make their career in this field. The students of this Institute will service the domestic industry and also contribute internationally as an ambassador of India’s rich and diversified food heritage.

The campus and the building of ICI, NOIDA, having a built up area of 2,31,308 square feet, was developed and completed in time and it took 2 years to build it with world class infrastructure facilities.

The Indian tourism industry today added another step for further promotion and development of culinary tourism in India as the campus of ICI at NOIDA will attract the best of the talents in the specialized field with a world class infrastructure such as culinary studio with facility to have smart class rooms, specialized kitchens and microbiology labs with modern and latest equipment, training restaurants for various cuisines, modern hostel facility for boys and girls with a capacity of about 400 students.

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[El Sidd]

Wow

 

[Hindustani78]

The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam along with the Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurating the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Noida campus, in Uttar Pradesh on April 27, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma is also seen.

The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam along with the Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurating the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Noida campus, in Uttar Pradesh on April 27, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma is also seen.

The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam along with the Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma lighting the lamp to inaugurate the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Noida campus, in Uttar Pradesh on April 27, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma is also seen.

The Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Alphons Kannanthanam addressing at the inauguration of the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Noida campus, in Uttar Pradesh on April 27, 2018.

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma addressing at the inauguration of the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Noida campus, in Uttar Pradesh on April 27, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Tourism
01-May, 2018 16:03 IST
17.9% Growth in Foreign Exchange Earnings (in Rupee Terms) in March 2018 over March 2017

Foreign Exchange Earnings (in rupee and US $ terms) through tourism in India register good growth in March 2018

Based on the credit data of Travel Head from Balance of Payments of RBI, Ministry of Tourism estimates monthly Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India, both in rupee and dollar terms.

The highlights of the estimates of FEEs from tourism in India for March 2018 are as below:

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in Rs. terms)

• FEEs during the month of March 2018 were Rs.17, 294 crore as compared to Rs. 14, 667 crore in March 2017 and Rs. 12, 985 crore in March 2016.

• The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms in March 2018 over March 2017 was 17.9%, compared to the growth of 13.0% in March 2017 over March 2016.

• FEEs during the period January- March 2018 were Rs. 52, 916 crore with a growth of 15.5%, as compared to the FEE of Rs. 45, 819 crore in January-March 2017 with a growth of 13.6% over January- March 2016.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in US $ terms)

• FEEs in US$ terms during the month of March 2018 were US$ 2.659 billion as compared to FEEs of US$ 2.224 billion during the month of March 2017 and US$ 1.938 billion in March 2016.

• The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in March 2018 over March 2017 was 19.6% compared to the growth of 14.8% in March 2017 over March 2016.

• FEEs during the period January-March 2018 were US$ 8.228 billion with a growth of 20.4% as compared to the FEE of US$ 6.833 billion in January- March 2017 with a growth of 14.4% over January- March 2016.

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Ministry of Tourism
01-May, 2018 16:03 IST
17.9% Growth in Foreign Exchange Earnings (in Rupee Terms) in March 2018 over March 2017

Foreign Exchange Earnings (in rupee and US $ terms) through tourism in India register good growth in March 2018

Based on the credit data of Travel Head from Balance of Payments of RBI, Ministry of Tourism estimates monthly Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India, both in rupee and dollar terms.

The highlights of the estimates of FEEs from tourism in India for March 2018 are as below:

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in Rs. terms)

• FEEs during the month of March 2018 were Rs.17, 294 crore as compared to Rs. 14, 667 crore in March 2017 and Rs. 12, 985 crore in March 2016.

• The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms in March 2018 over March 2017 was 17.9%, compared to the growth of 13.0% in March 2017 over March 2016.

• FEEs during the period January- March 2018 were Rs. 52, 916 crore with a growth of 15.5%, as compared to the FEE of Rs. 45, 819 crore in January-March 2017 with a growth of 13.6% over January- March 2016.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in US $ terms)

• FEEs in US$ terms during the month of March 2018 were US$ 2.659 billion as compared to FEEs of US$ 2.224 billion during the month of March 2017 and US$ 1.938 billion in March 2016.

• The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in March 2018 over March 2017 was 19.6% compared to the growth of 14.8% in March 2017 over March 2016.

• FEEs during the period January-March 2018 were US$ 8.228 billion with a growth of 20.4% as compared to the FEE of US$ 6.833 billion in January- March 2017 with a growth of 14.4% over January- March 2016.

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Ministry of Tourism
01-May, 2018 16:03 IST
17.9% Growth in Foreign Exchange Earnings (in Rupee Terms) in March 2018 over March 2017

Foreign Exchange Earnings (in rupee and US $ terms) through tourism in India register good growth in March 2018

Based on the credit data of Travel Head from Balance of Payments of RBI, Ministry of Tourism estimates monthly Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India, both in rupee and dollar terms.

The highlights of the estimates of FEEs from tourism in India for March 2018 are as below:

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in Rs. terms)

• FEEs during the month of March 2018 were Rs.17, 294 crore as compared to Rs. 14, 667 crore in March 2017 and Rs. 12, 985 crore in March 2016.

• The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms in March 2018 over March 2017 was 17.9%, compared to the growth of 13.0% in March 2017 over March 2016.

• FEEs during the period January- March 2018 were Rs. 52, 916 crore with a growth of 15.5%, as compared to the FEE of Rs. 45, 819 crore in January-March 2017 with a growth of 13.6% over January- March 2016.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in US $ terms)

• FEEs in US$ terms during the month of March 2018 were US$ 2.659 billion as compared to FEEs of US$ 2.224 billion during the month of March 2017 and US$ 1.938 billion in March 2016.

• The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in March 2018 over March 2017 was 19.6% compared to the growth of 14.8% in March 2017 over March 2016.

• FEEs during the period January-March 2018 were US$ 8.228 billion with a growth of 20.4% as compared to the FEE of US$ 6.833 billion in January- March 2017 with a growth of 14.4% over January- March 2016.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Home Affairs
02-May, 2018 20:03 IST
Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba launches online Event Clearance System for foreign nationals

Union Home Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba here today launched the online Event Clearance System (https://conference.mha.gov.in) for grant of security clearance to the conference/seminar/workshop organized in India. This will enable the Indian Missions abroad for issuance of Conference Visa to foreign nationals/delegates intending to attend such events organized by a Ministry or Department of the Government of India, State Governments or UT Administrations, Public Sector Undertakings, Central Educational Institutions, Public Funded Universities or private institutions or NGOs.

With the introduction of the online module, Shri Rajiv Gauba said the whole process has become paperless and standardized resulting in effective monitoring and timely disposal. Various officials involved in the process can access the online application and documents and take a proper decision to facilitate the organizers and participants of such conferences.

Shri Gauba complimented officials of the Foreigners Division for bringing out recently several successful initiatives relating to FCRA, FRRO, OCI etc that made the work processes faster, transparent and paperless. He urged them to continue to work in the same direction.

Prior to the introduction of online module, obtaining clearances for organizing a conference/seminar/workshop for issue of Conference Visa to foreign delegates was an offline procedure. The organizers were required to apply for the clearances in the physical form along with documents. The processing of event clearance was also an offline procedure. Clearances were being issued by the Ministry in a physical format.

Indian Missions are authorized to issue conference visas to delegates on production of an invitation to a conference/seminar/workshop being organized in India. However, prior reference is required to be made to the Ministry of Home Affairs before granting conference visas to foreigners participating in conferences/ seminars/ workshops etc. in India in the following cases:-

(i) If the participants are nationals of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Sudan or foreigners of Pakistani origin or Stateless persons; and/or

(ii) If the participants of conferences /seminars/workshops are required to visit 'Restricted' or 'Protected' areas in India, or areas affected by terrorism, militancy and extremism etc. viz. Jammu & Kashmir and the North Eastern States (other than the States of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland).

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The Union Home Secretary, Shri Rajiv Gauba at the launch of online Event Clearance System of Foreigners Division of Ministry of Home Affairs, in New Delhi on May 02, 2018. The Senior Officers of MHA are also seen.

The Union Home Secretary, Shri Rajiv Gauba at the launch of online Event Clearance System of Foreigners Division of Ministry of Home Affairs, in New Delhi on May 02, 2018. The Senior Officers of MHA are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the Officer Trainees of Indian Foreign Service, in New Delhi on May 14, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Officer Trainees of Indian Foreign Service, in New Delhi on May 14, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Administrator of the UTs of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Shri Praful Patel meeting the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on May 13, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
14-May, 2018 17:27 IST
Indian Foreign Service Officer Trainees Call on the Prime Minister

Thirty nine Officer Trainees of Indian Foreign Service, currently undergoing training in the Foreign Service Institute, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.

Addressing the Officer Trainees, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of representing India abroad in the context of India’s rich history, culture and traditions. The Prime Minister said that IFS Officers should remain alive not only to the current national priorities, but also future requirements for national development. The Prime Minister encouraged the Officer Trainees to become more tech-savvy and engage fully with the State governments and diaspora, who are increasingly important stakeholders in the conduct of foreign relations.

Two diplomats from Bhutan, also currently under training at the Foreign Service Institute, also joined the group.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Tourism
22-May, 2018 14:45 IST
Over 7 lakhs Foreign Tourist Arrivals in April 2018, registering a growth of 4.4% over April 2017

37.2% growth in Foreign Tourist Arrivals on e-Tourist Visa in April 2018 over April 2017

Ministry of Tourism compiles monthly Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) & FTAs on e- Tourist Visa on the basis of information received from Bureau of Immigration (BOI). The following are the important highlights regarding FTAs and FTAs one-Tourist Visa during the month of April, 2018:



Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs):

• FTAs in April 2018 were 7,49,477 as compared to 7,17,899 in April 2017 registering a growth of 4.4%.

• FTAs during the period January-April 2018 were 38,76,021 as compared to 34,98,969 in January-April 2017 registering a growth of 10.8%.

• The percentage share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India during April 2018 among the top 15 source countries was highest from Bangladesh (24.32%) followed by USA (11.21%), UK (9.14%), Sri Lanka (3.48%), Australia (3.33%), Malaysia (3.06%), China (2.62%), Canada (2.53%), Germany (2.48%), France (2.33%), Japan (2.22%), Russian Federation (2.07%), Thailand (1.70%), Afghanistan (1.65%) and Nepal (1.64%)

• The percentage share of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India during April 2018 among the top 15 ports was highest at Delhi Airport (28.75%) followed by Mumbai Airport (14.46%), Haridaspur Land Check Post (11.40%), Chennai Airport (7.44%), Bengaluru Airport (5.81%), Kolkata Airport (5.58%), Cochin Airport (4.21%), Hyderabad Airport (2.64%), Gede Rail Land Check Post (2.63%), Goa Airport (2.30%), Ghojadanga Land Check Post (1.63%), Ahmedabad Airport (1.28%), Trivandrum Airport (1.21%), Amritsar Airport (1.06%) and Chitpur Railway Station (0.99%).

FTAs on e-Tourist Visa:

• During the month of April, 2018 a total of 1,57,094 tourist arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 1,14,469 during the month of April, 2017 registering a growth of 37.2%.

• During January-April 2018, a total of 9,18,792 tourist arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 5,81,783 during January-April 2017, registering a growth of 57.9%.

• The percentage shares of top 15 source countries availing e-Tourist Visa facilities during April, 2018 were highest from UK (16.3%) followed by USA (11.0%), China (5.8%), Australia (5.5%), France (5.3%), Thailand (4.3%), Germany (4.0%), Canada (3.5%), Oman (3.2%), Russian Fed (3.0%), Malaysia (2.2%), Italy (2.1%), South Africa (1.8%), Spain (1.8%) and Republic of Korea (1.7%).

• The percentage shares of top 15 ports in tourist arrivals on e-Tourist Visa during April 2018 were highest from New Delhi Airport (46.2%), Mumbai Airport (17.4%), Bengaluru Airport (6.8%), Chennai Airport (6.1%), Dabolim (Goa) Airport (4.5%), Kochi Seaport (4.4%), Kochi Airport (3.4%), Hyderabad Airport (2.5%), Kolkata Airport (2.4%), Amritsar Airport (1.3%), Trivandrum Airport (1.1%), Jaipur Airport (1.0%), Ahmedabad Airport (1.0%), Tirchy Airport (0.5%) and Calicut Airport (0.4%).

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NB/JP/SS/Tourism/22.05.2018

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Tourism
23-May, 2018 11:02 IST
10.2% growth rate in Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) in Rupee terms in April 2018 over April 2017

Ministry of Tourism estimates monthly Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism in India, both in rupee and dollar terms based on the credit data of Travel Head from Balance of Payments of RBI for the previous year.

The highlights of the estimates of FEEs from tourism in India for April 2018 are as below:

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in Rs. terms)

• FEEs during the month of April 2018 were Rs. 15,713 crore as compared to Rs. 14,260 crore in April 2017.

• The growth rate in FEEs in rupee terms in April 2018 over April 2017 was 10.2%.

• FEEs during the period January- April 2018 were Rs. 68,629 crore with a growth of 14.2%, as compared to the FEE of Rs. 60,079 crore in January-April 2017.

Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) through tourism (in US $ terms)

• FEEs in US$ terms during the month of April 2018 were US$ 2.393 billion as compared to FEEs of US$ 2.211 billion during the month of April 2017.

• The growth rate in FEEs in US$ terms in April 2018 over April 2017 was 8.2%.

• FEEs during the period January-April 2018 were US$ 10.621 billion with a growth of 17.4% as compared to the FEE of US$ 9.044 billion in January- April 2017 with a growth of 17.5% over January- April 2016.

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The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind walking down the iconic Mall Road and meeting with the local residents and tourists, in Shimla on May 22, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind along with his grandchildren at a book shop, at the Mall Road, in Shimla on May 22, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing at the civic reception hosted for him by the state government of Himachal Pradesh, in Shimla on May 22, 2018. The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Jai Ram Thakur is also seen.