*“Tourism is not just about economic growth but a means to empower local communities,” says Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh
TTT NEWS NETWORK
LUCKNOW, VARANASI | 22 JULY 2025
In a significant step towards empowering Varanasi’s traditional boatmen, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has launched a 10-day skill development programme at the historic Rajghat area. The initiative focuses on enhancing the capabilities of local boat operators by equipping them with modern techniques in navigation, safety, disaster response, and tourist interaction.
Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “This programme reflects the state government’s commitment to building a more inclusive tourism economy. We see tourism not just as a driver of financial growth but as a powerful tool to uplift communities that have long been a part of our cultural and spiritual heritage. Boatmen are not merely service providers; they are the face of our sacred rivers and ghats. By strengthening their skills, we are ensuring safer, more organized, and professional services for visitors while also improving the quality of life for those who rely on this traditional occupation.”
The programme was inaugurated by Varanasi MLA Neelkanth Tiwari in the presence of tourism officials and members of the boating community. Over the 10-day course, participants will undergo both practical and classroom sessions covering boat operation techniques, safety protocols, emergency preparedness, and communication skills for engaging with tourists.
The initiative also aims to connect traditional knowledge with present-day professionalism. By upgrading skills and service standards, the state is working to create a more reliable and rewarding experience for the growing number of domestic and international tourists who visit Varanasi.
Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director, Tourism (Varanasi), said, “This training programme is part of a broader vision to make local tourism-linked communities more self-reliant and capable. It will improve not just the working standards of boatmen but also contribute to a more robust and tourist-friendly image of Varanasi.”
With this effort, the Uttar Pradesh government reinforces its commitment to inclusive development, recognizing that the soul of tourism lies in the people who preserve and live its traditions every day.
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