top of page

By:

Dipti Sawant

14 February 2026 at 1:05:08 pm

Purvodaya Scheme: Linking Industry, Connectivity, and Tourism

Purvodaya aims to strengthen tourism potential and enhance connectivity in East and Northeast India. The Government of India has recently launched the Purvodaya Scheme   to promote economic and tourism development in the eastern and northeastern regions of the country. The scheme aims to strengthen tourism potential and enhance connectivity under the East Coast Industrial Corridor, with Durgapur emerging as a key connecting node. The initiative focuses on five major states—Bihar, Jharkhand,...

Purvodaya Scheme: Linking Industry, Connectivity, and Tourism

Purvodaya aims to strengthen tourism potential and enhance connectivity in East and Northeast India. The Government of India has recently launched the Purvodaya Scheme   to promote economic and tourism development in the eastern and northeastern regions of the country. The scheme aims to strengthen tourism potential and enhance connectivity under the East Coast Industrial Corridor, with Durgapur emerging as a key connecting node. The initiative focuses on five major states—Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh—and includes the deployment of nearly 4,000 electric buses (e-buses) to improve sustainable transportation. In addition, the scheme has been specially designed to promote the Buddhist tourism circuit across Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. As stated by the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, the programme will cover the preservation of temples and monasteries, the establishment of pilgrimage interpretation centres, and the development of essential pilgrim amenities. Tourism Potential of the Seven Sisters The northeastern states, popularly known as the “Seven Sisters of India”—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura—represent a unique blend of rich cultural heritage, biodiversity, and scenic natural landscapes. Arunachal Pradesh is known for its spectacular landscapes, rivers, and religious sites such as Tawang Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist centres in India. Although tourism growth has been moderate, it continues to attract cultural and nature-based tourists. Assam is famous for Kaziranga National Park, Brahmaputra River cruises, tea gardens, and cultural heritage. It remains the largest contributor to tourism in the Northeast, with steady growth in both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals. Manipur, known for Loktak Lake, rolling hills, and cultural festivals, has experienced a sharp decline in tourist visits in recent years, presenting challenges for tourism development. Meghalaya offers major ecotourism attractions such as Balpakram and Nokrek Biosphere Reserve and has recorded consistent growth in both domestic and international tourism. Mizoram is characterised by dense forests, tribal culture, and adventure tourism and has emerged as the fastest-growing tourism destination in the region. Nagaland, known for the Hornbill Festival and vibrant tribal traditions, shows gradual growth in tourism. Tripura is recognised for its historical temples and cultural heritage and has witnessed strong growth in domestic tourism. Tourist Growth Trend (in million visitors) State 2014 2019 2023–25 Trend Assam 4.3 6.7 7.5+ Strong growth Meghalaya 0.6 1.2 1.5+ Steady growth Tripura 0.3 0.5 0.6+ Good growth Mizoram 0.1 0.2 0.5 Fastest growth Arunachal 0.15 0.3 0.25 Moderate Nagaland 0.1 0.15 0.13 Slow Manipur 0.2 0.17 0.02 Sharp decline Overall, tourism in Northeast India has more than doubled since 2014. Domestic Tourist visits increased from approximately 7 million in 2014 to 12.5 million in 2023, while foreign tourist arrivals reached over 221,000 in 2023. Assam contributes the highest share of tourism revenue, followed by Meghalaya and Tripura. Mizoram and Nagaland show growing potential, while Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur continue to record relatively lower revenues due to limited tourist footfall. E-Buses in Promoting Tourism The introduction of electric buses under the Purvodaya Scheme plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable and green tourism. E-buses provide clean, comfortable, and affordable transport, improving connectivity to tourist destinations. They reduce carbon emissions, protect environmentally sensitive regions, and align with ecotourism. policies. Moreover, cities adopting e-buses are perceived as modern, smart, and sustainable, which enhances their attractiveness to both domestic and international tourists.   The Purvodaya Scheme, supported by infrastructure development and sustainable mobility solutions such as e-buses, has significant potential to transform. Tourism in Eastern and Northeastern India. With proper implementation, the region can emerge as a major hub for cultural, religious, and eco-tourism, contributing substantially to economic growth and regional development. (Writer is a Mumbai based Finance expert. Views personal.)

Annasaheb Patil: A Lifelong Advocate for Workers’ Rights

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Annasaheb Patil

Annasaheb Pandurang Patil, a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, made significant contributions to the uplifting of scattered workers in Mumbai. For this reason, he is regarded as the architect of the progress of the Maratha and Mathadi workers in Maharashtra. Annasaheb Patil proposed a simple yet broad definition of a `Maratha,’ stating that every person residing in Maharashtra and standing for its defence is a Maratha. With this ideology, he established the Mathadi Workers Union and the All India Maratha Federation.

When Annasaheb Patil arrived in Mumbai from his native village, Mandrulkole in Patan Taluka, he began his career as a worker. At that time, workers in Mumbai were facing dire conditions, and a majority of them were Marathas. Annasaheb Patil believed that workers needed to experience both economic and social progress. He deeply studied their issues and began organising them, forming the Mathadi Workers Union, formally known as the Maharashtra State Mathadi Transport and General Workers Union. This became one of the largest labour unions in the state.

At the time, most labour unions were led by communists, but Annasaheb Patil rejected their ideologies, instead building a union based on Indigenous principles. He organised protests and movements, putting forward workers’ demands for better wages, healthcare, and basic rights for workers before the government. His relentless work eventually bore fruit, and he became the guiding force for workers.

Annasaheb Patil’s efforts resonated with the government. The then-Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavan, addressed the demands put forth by Patil, and on June 5, 1969, the Mathadi Workers Act was enacted in Maharashtra. This legislation brought joy and relief to the workers, improving their quality of life. Due to this act, facilities such as hospitals, consumer societies, housing through CIDCO, and educational and medical services were made available to Mathadi workers. Patil’s contribution to their welfare was pivotal.

Today, the issue of Maratha reservation is a significant topic in Maharashtra. Annasaheb Patil, the father of the Maratha reservation movement, made sure that his demands were reasonable and did not disturb social unity. His image is revered across Maharashtra for this reason.

Annasaheb Patil worked tirelessly for the welfare of Mathadi workers, most of whom were Marathas. He united the 12 Balutedars and 18 Pagadi communities, forming various organisations under the All India Maratha Federation. His leadership earned him widespread respect, and on July 8, 1980, he became a member of the Legislative Council.

During this time, the demand for Maratha reservations based on economic criteria was gaining traction. Annasaheb Patil toured Maharashtra while advocating for this cause. He resolved to lead a protest march to the Legislative Assembly. As an MLA in the Congress government, Patil, along with Advocate Shashikant Pawar, led a massive procession from Azad Maidan, Mumbai, on March 22, 1982. The sight of the marchers carrying Shivaji Maharaj’s saffron flag caught the attention of the citizens of Mumbai.

Annasaheb Patil submitted a list of nine demands to the then Chief Minister, Babasaheb Bhosale. Realising that the demand for reservation would not be considered, he declared that if justice were not served to the Maratha community, he would not live to see the next sunrise. True to his word, he ended his life on March 23, 1982, leaving an indelible mark on the state.

Annasaheb Patil devoted his life to the progress of Mathadi workers, raising their issues before the government and improving their living conditions. His efforts for the Maratha reservation and social justice brought attention to the problems faced by the community. His life was a testament to the struggle for the welfare of society. Rightfully, he is remembered as the father of the Maratha reservation movement and the architect of Maratha upliftment.

On his birth anniversary, we humbly pay tribute to the sacred memory of Annasaheb Patil.

(The writer is a BJP member of Maharashtra Legislative Council. Views personal.)

Comments

bottom of page