UP's first: Law soon to 'protect' tourists

indiamike · Jul 12th, 2004, 07:15

LUCKNOW: The problem is universal and as such not alien to India. But it goes to the credit of Uttar Pradesh for proposing a law that seeks to end exploitation of tourists through organised racketeering.

Dubbed as UP Tourists (prevention of exploitation) Act 2004, it would be applicable on notified tourists with a jurisdiction extending to entire state. Once enforced the harassement meted out to tourists by touts, guides and 'lapkas' would be made a cognizable non-bailable offence with a punishment extending to 6 months imprisonment and Rs 10,000 as fine.

The two page Act, the Bill for which will be brought soon, interprets the word 'exploit' as any action or behaviour which prevents a tourist to visit a place or shop of his choice or create any hindrance in his free movement.

It also includes compelling a tourist to visit a particular place or shop for making purchases.

Full Article (external link)

SHIMLA · Jul 12th, 2004, 08:42

The intention is good, but how practical will its enforcement be, remains to be seen !

Alan D · Jul 12th, 2004, 18:47

This new Act has obviously been framed with Agra and foreign tourists in mind.

Recently I've spent time in Istanbul and watched the police there clear Sultanahmet (main tourist) area of harassing vendors. Apart from there I've never experienced any hassle in Turkey despite the fact that the tourist trade there has had a couple of lean years recently.

I'm also a little bit sceptical as to how this Act will be implemented as it will require a non corrupt police force and a certain amount of determination from the state authorities. I'll be watching with interest to see what happens.

Rob_The_Pom · Jul 12th, 2004, 21:07

This summer is Xian, China, as I was leaving the Terracotta Army site my friends and I were 'charged' by a horde of local hawkers selling crappy quality 'terracotta' soldiers. As they almost reached me, they suddenly stopped, turned round and sprinted in the opposite direction. I looked behind me and a member of the Red Guard was running towards them waving a large truncheon!

Jul 12th, 2004, 07:15	#1
indiamike Retired Admin Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: New Joisey for now Posts: 1,759	UP's first: Law soon to 'protect' tourists LUCKNOW: The problem is universal and as such not alien to India. But it goes to the credit of Uttar Pradesh for proposing a law that seeks to end exploitation of tourists through organised racketeering. Dubbed as UP Tourists (prevention of exploitation) Act 2004, it would be applicable on notified tourists with a jurisdiction extending to entire state. Once enforced the harassement meted out to tourists by touts, guides and 'lapkas' would be made a cognizable non-bailable offence with a punishment extending to 6 months imprisonment and Rs 10,000 as fine. The two page Act, the Bill for which will be brought soon, interprets the word 'exploit' as any action or behaviour which prevents a tourist to visit a place or shop of his choice or create any hindrance in his free movement. It also includes compelling a tourist to visit a particular place or shop for making purchases. Full Article (external link)

Jul 12th, 2004, 08:42	#2
SHIMLA Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Yangon, MYANMAR Posts: 4,125	The intention is good, but how practical will its enforcement be, remains to be seen ! __________________ Whoever said money can't buy happiness didn't know where to shop !

Jul 12th, 2004, 21:07	#4
Rob_The_Pom offcourse essentric Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seoul, South Korea Posts: 1,299	This summer is Xian, China, as I was leaving the Terracotta Army site my friends and I were 'charged' by a horde of local hawkers selling crappy quality 'terracotta' soldiers. As they almost reached me, they suddenly stopped, turned round and sprinted in the opposite direction. I looked behind me and a member of the Red Guard was running towards them waving a large truncheon! __________________ There is no God but Dawkins and Hitchens is his prophet.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Indiamike Meet-up's,,,,,,,	seventies'hippy	Chai and Chat	31	Nov 21st, 2004 22:26
Fat Tourists	Sharonov	Chai and Chat	21	Jun 29th, 2004 03:54
Charges for Tourists	Ben	Agra	10	Aug 27th, 2002 03:04
War clouds keep tourists at home	indiamike	India Travel News and Commentary	0	Jun 2nd, 2002 06:31

Jul 12th, 2004, 18:47	#3
Alan D Maha Guru Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Southampton UK Posts: 1,866	This new Act has obviously been framed with Agra and foreign tourists in mind. Recently I've spent time in Istanbul and watched the police there clear Sultanahmet (main tourist) area of harassing vendors. Apart from there I've never experienced any hassle in Turkey despite the fact that the tourist trade there has had a couple of lean years recently. I'm also a little bit sceptical as to how this Act will be implemented as it will require a non corrupt police force and a certain amount of determination from the state authorities. I'll be watching with interest to see what happens.

User Name		Remember Me?
Password