In a major push to transform Uttar Pradesh into a premier global tourism destination, the state Cabinet on Tuesday approved three key proposals, including the expansion of the world-class Temple Museum in Ayodhya, the establishment of an International Yoga and Wellness Centre in Baghpat, and the implementation of new recruitment rules to strengthen tourism administration across the state.
Ayodhya to Get Expanded World-Class Temple Museum
The ambitious Temple Museum project, to be developed in Manjha Jamtara village of Ayodhya, will now be built on 52.102 acres, more than double the previously allocated 25 acres.
The expansion was approved following a request from construction partner Tata Sons, which expressed that the earlier land size was insufficient for the envisioned international-scale project.
Cabinet Minister Suresh Khanna informed that Tata Sons will construct and operate the museum using CSR funds, and a Section 8 (non-profit) company will be formed under the Companies Act, 2013, with representation from both the Central and UP governments.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on September 3, 2024, between the Government of India, the UP Government, and Tata Sons.
Principal Secretary Tourism & Culture, Amrit Abhijat, stated: The museum will be globally distinctive, featuring Dravidian-style architecture, a vast library, and cutting-edge facilities.
It will enhance the tourist experience and serve as a knowledge centre for students worldwide.
TATA will form a specialised global team to ensure international standards and excellence.”
With Ayodhya already witnessing a dramatic surge in both domestic and international tourism, the museum is expected to elevate the city’s status as a global cultural and spiritual hub.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh said the decisions align with the government’s vision of positioning Ayodhya as a world-class heritage and spiritual destination.
New Recruitment Rules to Reform Tourism Administration
The Cabinet approved “Uttar Pradesh Adheenasth Paryatan Seva Niyamawali 2025,” creating a uniform and structured framework for recruitment in the tourism sector.
The rules clearly define eligibility, selection processes, and duties for posts such as Publication Officer, Tourism Information Officer and Assistant District Tourism Officer.
Key Highlights:
- Publication Officer – direct recruitment through Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission
- Tourism Information Officer – direct recruitment via UP Subordinate Services Selection Commission
- Assistant District Tourism Officer – filled through both direct recruitment and promotion
Educational requirements have also been standardised:
- Tourism Information Officers: Graduate degree in Mass Communication
- Assistant District Tourism Officers: Graduate degree in Tourism or Hospitality
These measures aim to professionalise field-level tourism management.
International Yoga & Wellness Centre in Baghpat
Another major initiative approved by the Cabinet is the development of a state-of-the-art International Yoga and Wellness Centre on 70 hectares in Hariya Kheda village, Baghpat.
The centre will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and will offer integrated programmes in yoga, meditation, naturopathy and global wellness sciences. Its strategic proximity to NCR is expected to draw global tourists, corporates, wellness practitioners, students and researchers.
Additional Cabinet Decisions
- Streamlined provisions for government-employed sportspersons to ensure participation in international sporting events is officially treated as duty time rather than leave.
- Approval for establishing District Disability Rehabilitation Centres in all 18 administrative divisions of Uttar Pradesh.
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