Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir : In a significant move to modernize safety protocols within the tourism sector, a two-week training program on “Tech-Infused Tourism Policing,” jointly organized by Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and the Jammu & Kashmir Police, was officially inaugurated to enhance the professional capacity of personnel in managing tourist safety and crisis situations through advanced technology.

The program was inaugurated by Mr. Shah Umer (JKPS), Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, who emphasized that tourism policing has become a critical component of internal security in the modern era.

The evolving security dynamics and the steady increase in tourist inflows necessitate a proactive shift in law enforcement strategies. Police personnel must continuously upskill and adopt modern technologies to ensure better preparedness for future challenges. The program reflects the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir Police to evolve operational practices in alignment with international standards of tourist safety Mr. Shah Umer said.

The introductory session was led by Dr. Bilquees Dar, who provided a comprehensive overview of the curriculum. The training is designed to cover essential themes, including tech-enabled policing tools, crisis response mechanisms, and the vital importance of inter-agency coordination. Dr. Dar highlighted that these elements are particularly crucial for maintaining stability in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where tourism serves as a backbone for the local economy.

The training will involve various modules focusing on the intersection of technology and field operations, ensuring that officers are not only reactive but also preventive in their approach to security. As the region continues to see record-breaking tourist numbers, this initiative marks a pivotal step in ensuring that the safety of visitors remains a top priority for the administration he said.

During the keynote session, Mr. Bhawani Sinh Rathore, Director of the School of Internal Security and SMART Policing (SISSP) at Rashtriya Raksha University, provided a strategic outlook on the economic impact of the industry. He said that tourism has emerged as one of the fastest-growing global industries and a vital pillar of national revenue. 

Dr. Mahesh A. Tripathi, Director of the Rashtriya Raksha University, J&K Campus  outlined the vision and mission of the initiative, emphasizing that the curriculum is specifically designed to address emerging challenges in the tourism sector through technological integration. He further noted the prestigious standing of RRU, an Institution of National Importance, which provides specialized security training to personnel from all Indian states and union territories, as well as international participants from nearly 80 countries.

Highlighting India’s rising global stature, Mr. Rathore stated that India currently ranks among the top 15 tourism destinations worldwide, a position that necessitates the implementation of robust, world-class tourist safety mechanisms to sustain growth and international trust.

Ms. Syed Sleet Shah, DySP Hqrs Srinagar highlighted critical operational issues such as the safety of female tourists, service regulation, and the prevention of overcharging. The sessions also focused on "image management" for the police force, ensuring that security personnel act as facilitators for a positive tourist experience while maintaining rigorous safety standards. This initiative reflects the ongoing commitment of Rashtriya Raksha University to provide specialized training that aligns with the evolving security needs of India’s most sensitive regions. 

During the training program's inauguration, key recommendations were proposed to strengthen the tourism sector, including strengthening coordination with trade associations, regulating transport services, and deploying GPS-enabled systems; additionally, the proposals emphasized forming tourist crisis intervention teams, increasing the visibility of tourist police offices, and tasking Rashtriya Raksha University with developing a dedicated tourist assistance mobile application.

This program represents a significant step in RRU’s mission to provide high-level security education that translates into actionable public safety improvements. By fostering collaboration between academic experts and field practitioners, the university continues to lead the way in national security and tourism stability.

 

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