Government’s indication to hold the municipal elections in J&K next month has caused worries in the Kashmir’ tourism sector. The tourism industry that has barely come out of the stress it remained under for three consecutive years from 2008 would definitely lose some best time to the rough and tumble of the elections if conducted during the peak tourism season. The industry that requires a breather, could find the elections working to its peril only.  It is common knowledge that tourists schedule trips as per their convenience and make bookings in advance. People in the hospitality sector in turn do prearrangements to make the trips of their customers convenient. Right now as per the reports the tourism players have registered massive bookings for the months ahead till October end for which they have done all preparations. Holding elections during this period could disturb the season and send a wrong signal to the tourists probably forcing them to cancel the bookings. Should that happen the tourism players would find themselves at the receiving end.
Tourism undoubtedly is one of the biggest industries of Kashmir. Growth in this sector spreads horizontally and drives other sectors contributing to the state economy. Once this sector is affected, its impact would definitely be seen on other sectors as well. So in the interest of the overall economy of the state, it is better the elections are pushed off season. If the municipal institutions in the state could run without elections for so much time, postponing the elections for a few months won’t make a big difference. After all, the decisions of the government should always be guided by the economic considerations and in conformity with the public interest at large. That a separatist leader has already called for boycott of the elections could make the things even worse. It is time the government paid heed to the pleadings of the tourism players and postponed the elections to October end. For, tourism has particular season, elections don’t have.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Apr 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 17 Apr 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 IST