Madhya Pradesh, often referred to as the “Heart of India,” boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous monuments, intricately carved temples, stupas, forts, and palaces can now also take pride in being the only State in the country to implement the central flagship scheme “Safe Tourism Destination for Women.”

This initiative is noteworthy as other states are yet to step forward to avail the funds allocated from the Nirbhaya Fund aimed at making tourist destinations safe for women.

The Union Tourism Ministry revealed this before a Parliamentary panel recently. Taking exception to the states’ apathy, the panel, in its report submitted to Parliament early this month, recommended the Ministry to once again take up the matter with all the other states to submit their proposals under the Scheme aimed to ensure women-friendly tourist hotspots.

As per the policy provision, a proposal is submitted to the Central Ministry of Women and Child Development Department under the Nirbhaya Scheme for funding the project.

According to the scheme, the state has to contribute 40% share of the total budget, with the rest coming from the central fund.

The Nirbhaya Fund was set up with the idea of helping states ensure infrastructure and ambience where women should feel safe and most comfortable while traveling and enjoying tourist destinations.

While states are yet to use this fund exclusively meant for women empowerment and safe tourist zones, Madhya Pradesh is in the midst of initiating several steps to ensure employment opportunities for women in the tourism sector.

As per officials from the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, UN Women, Women and Child Development, Urban Development and Housing Department, and Police Department have joined hands to create a favorable environment for women by training them and creating awareness about their safety.

Officials say the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has formed 20 clusters across 50 tourist spots in the state to train women in different sectors, giving priority to safe destinations for women. “The Board has already trained more than 4000 women and in 2024 plans are afoot to absorb more of them in the hotel and travel industry.

 “The Committee recommends that the Ministry should expedite its efforts in obtaining the proposals of various states. This is vital for the success of the scheme and for ensuring the safety of women at tourist destinations across the country and will help in increasing the number of tourists, especially women, to safely undertake such visits,” said the parliamentary panel led by MP V Vijayasai Reddy.

“It’s disheartening that states, despite the availability of funds, are reluctant to utilise them. It’s widely recognised that concerns about women’s safety in tourist spots hinder their ability to travel independently.

Whether journeying alone or in groups, women often experience unease after sunset due to the limited presence of female staff in tourist areas and the inadequate provision of public facilities,” lamented Priyadarsini Biswal, a solo traveler from Bhubaneswar.