For the first time since Independence from British Raj, India presented a united front to the government over CAA and NRC. Protests erupted all over the nation on December 12 after police brutality at Jamia Millia Islamia University in Delhi but, Assam had been marching already. The social and political implications of nation-wide protest go far and wide and will unfold with time but, the economy is already taking a hit. The Assam tourism industry has lost more than ₹400 crores in revenue during this period.
What is it
Assam’s tourism season begins in November and lasts until January. Last year Assam saw about 4,504 foreign tourists and about 4.25 lakh domestic tourists during these months. December accounts for 30% of an estimated annual revenue of ₹1200 – ₹1500 crores. It has been reported that the state tourism department has only collected up to ₹300 – 400 crores this year. This is a serious dip in the state pockets, likely to have long term effects if the tourist sentiment is not tackled soon.
Also read: Airlines Cancel Flights To Assam, Waive Off Cancellation Fee And Offer Full Refund
The numbers
Assam is the only state in India where the NRC has been implemented. Over 19 lakh residents were left stateless after the process was complete. All political parties in Assam condemned the exercise as erroneous. First Post reported that The National Register of Citizenship cost the Government of India a whopping ₹1,220 crore. Based on this, estimated cost of implementing the NRC nationwide ranges from ₹50,000 – ₹70,000 crores. That’s the price of 73 Chandrayaan moon missions or sponsoring 10 crore underprivileged children or establishing 59 IITs. Moreover, Economic Times reported that the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) detected financial irregularities to the tune of ₹108 Crore in Assam’s NRC exercise.
What’s going on
Many prospective travellers cancelled their bookings in Assam and other parts of the North-Eastern region according to reports. There have been reports of tourists left stranded following which a curfew was imposed in certain districts. Despite facing suppression from the government, protests are going strong. The death toll in the region has climbed to at least 5 persons citing clashes between police and protestors. Internet shutdowns were imposed in the region and information blockade has begun to cause resentment among the people of India. Freedom of speech has become a worrying subject. India Today reported that an Assam teacher was rusticated for her anti-CAA stand. Violence continues as India reaches a total death count following CAA and NRC of at least 26.
Locals will be directly affected by loss in tourist activity. Many families depend completely on tourism during this season. India Times reported that the government is afraid this situation might leave a lasting impact on travel trends deeming Assam unsafe. Agra and Mysuru are also preparing for a low turnout in the otherwise busiest time for the hospitality industry. Several Countries Issue Travel Advisory For India In The Wake Of Protests Over CAA. The US and UK issued travel advisories against Assam. US and UK also Issued Travel Advisory Against India Over Sexual Crimes Against Women. Meanwhile, Bollywood has also broken its silence regarding CAA and NRC. Former brand ambassador of Assam Tourism Priyanka Chopra condemned violence against peaceful protestors. Bollywood star Farhan Akhtar called the Act discriminatory. Amid all this unrest, a biker couple made news. Nitumani Talukdar and Rakesh Choudhury covered 9,500 km in a biking journey to promote Assam tourism, as reported by NENow.