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279EXTERNAL SECTOR

Pravasi Legal Assistance (Pravasi Legal Aid Cell), One of the major problems faced by
the migrant workers from Kerala to the Middle East Countries is the court cases and other
legal problems they get into. In the absence of any sort of legal help, the poor workers end
up in the jail and suffer from all forms of punishments. This happens even in the cases of
minor offence or without any offences. The major aspect of the mechanism is that Govern-
ment can extend legal assistance, including appearances in courts abroad, only through
the Indian Diplomatic Missions or through advocates empanelled by the Indian Mission.

24 Hours Help Line/Call Centres,the scheme intends to disseminate information on various
schemes/projects implemented by Government and NORKA ROOTS, redress grievances
of NRKs, conduct counselling to NRKs who are in distress, create awareness among emi-
grants and prospective emigrants against illegal exploitation, migration etc. and to act as
a frontline service facilitator/one point client interaction point for NRKs. It is also envis-
aged to provide need based information and assistance to emigrants through the proposed
helpline.

Pre Departure Orientation Programme, The General Public lacks awareness in matters con-
nected with emigration in general and overseas job in particular. The scheme is intended
to impart orientation and training to these prospective emigrants before departing to their
destination countries so as to ensure legal migration. The widespread rural penetration of
this scheme will restrict prevalence of illegal migration and exploitation by unscrupulous
recruiting agents.

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Section 3
Tourism

Introduction

6.24 Tourism industry provides a number of economic benefits to the region. It is one of the sectors
that generates large scale employment opportunities across the region and earns foreign exchange.
It also promotes traditional industries such as handicrafts, spices, coir etc. Tourism is one of sectors
having inclusiveness which helps to improve per capita income and standard of living of people and
leads to balanced regional development. It also preserves heritage and monuments, promotes local
culture and art forms, protects nature and wild life and confers many other benefits to the society.

6.25 Kerala has clear natural advantage in tourism industry. It enjoys a unique geographical feature of
a long shoreline with serene beaches, alluring Western Ghat ranges with lush hill stations and exotic
wild life networked by forty four rivers and tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters. Its equable
climate, enchanting art forms, magical festivals, historical and cultural monuments have made it
wonderful destination for tourism. The state has been performing well in the industry especially in
drawing more foreign visitors every year.

6.26 Tourism in the state is a private industry encouraged by the Government. In 1986, the Government
declared tourism as an industry. Since then, the Government has made deliberate interventions in
the industry, for bringing it in the world tourism map by brand building, marketing, and creating
infrastructural support. Of late, the Government of Kerala announced its new Tourism Policy in 2012
promoting private investment in the industry and focus on increasing the benefits for the community
from tourism. Tourism industry in Kerala now turned into a 22,926 crore revenue generating industry
hosting 10.85 million domestic and 0.85 million foreign tourists in 2013.

Economic Review 2014