Tourist mitra

(1) A group of specially trained cadre known as tourist mitra shall be appointed in a tourist destination by the Department of Tourism on such terms and conditions as may be specified by it from time to time with prior approval of the Government to ensure necessary assistance to the tourists and to protect the tourist against any kind of harassment: Provided that the Department of Tourism may by notification designate any employee of the authority or organisation in charge of management of tourist destination as tourist mitra in consultation with that authority or organisation.

1. (2) The tourist mitra shall discharge such functions as are assigned to him under this Act and such other functions as the state Government may assign to him in accordance with law for the time being in force in the State in collaboration and co-ordination with the Department of Tourism.
2. (3) The Department of Tourism shall deploy the tourist mitra at various places in the tourist destination in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner of the District and Superintendent of Police incharge of that area.
3. (4) The officer incharge of the Department of Tourism having jurisdiction over the local area comprising the tourist destination shall have power to give directions to the tourist mitra if and when such occasion arises and he shall comply with those directions in the matters of functions assigned to him under this Act or the rules or regulations made there under.
4. (5) The tourist mitra shall keep watch on Nuisance, Touts, hawkers, etc. for enforcing the provisions of this Act, tourist mitra shall patrol the tourist destinations and inform the concerned Police officer at police station having jurisdiction for initiating appropriate action against the illegal hawkers and touts etc.
5. (6) The tourist mitra shall wear name tag and such uniform and insignia and other accessories as may be determined by the state Government and shall carry a photo identity card duly displayed on their person.
6. (7) The state Government may make rules not inconsistent with the provision of this Act or any other law for the time being in force for regulating the tourist mitra.