Security system to be overhauled for 2010 Commonwealth Games

The government will altogether overhaul its security system frame for the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a senior functionary said here Tuesday.”Tourism in general and medical tourism in particular have suffered negative growth in the month of November. We'll remold security arrangements to ensure that it (medical tourism) grows by at least 20 times during and after Commonwealth Games of 2010,” Tourism Secretary Sujit Banerjee said at the International Medical Tourism Summit here.

He said senior officials from all ministries connected with the Games, led by the home secretary, will collectively chalk out plans to upgrade security for tourists.

“The exercise will embark on any day and the government will ensure all possible protection not only for hospitality industry but also sites of historical importance, besides venues for the Games events,” Banerjee said.

“Medical tourism has growth potential as India provides the best of medical treatments at minimum cost,” he said, adding that tourists visiting India for medical treatment during the Games would be taken to popular tourist spots, including religious and adventure sports sites, at government expense.

The tourism secretary said the government is also considering relaxing visa norms for such tourists. Additionally, there will also be free yoga programmes for overseas tourists at several camps.