AURANGABAD
: Subhash Jadhav is a certified regional-level guide (RLG) with a good command of the German language and money was never a problem until the coronavirus pandemic struck. He has been forced to take up a farm labourer’s job.
Jadhav, a favourite among German tourists, says he was earning six-digit monthly income before the outbreak of the pandemic last year. “With no helping hand, we are finding it difficult to make ends meet. With the situation getting grimmer, the future seems bleak,” he says, adding that he has no money left in his bank account.
Jadhav is not the only one in the grip of a financial crisis. There are 40 other RLGs like him in Aurangabad who have either picked up menial jobs or are unemployed.
Ram Pitambare, who has a good command of the Japanese language, says he tried to associate himself with relatives’ shops for some income, but fresh closure of commercial establishments has left him in a helpless situation.
“The government authorities often refer to us as ‘cultural ambassadors of the nation’ but they are ignoring us during the current crisis. Despite repeated pleas to the Centre and state government, we have not received any relief during the lockdown,” adds Pitambare.
Heritage sites and monuments have remained closed during the current pandemic for more than a year, except for around three months till March 11 this year.
As per the service rules of RLG, certified tourist guides are not allowed to engage in any formal employment elsewhere, adding to the woes of these key players from the tourism industry.
Shaikh Ayyasuddin, another RLG from Aurangabad, says the large geographical area of Ajant and Ellora caves should be taken into account while allowing opening of the world heritage sites during the lockdown.
“The tourism industry has already faced more restrictions as compared to other sectors. The famous monuments spread over large areas should be allowed to reopen by following Covid-appropriate behaviour,” he adds.
Unemployed at the moment, Shaikh is optimistic that the central and state governments will come up with some solution to end their woes.
When contacted, Archaeological Survey of India authorities refused to comment while maintaining that they only abide by the government policies.
Aurangabad MP Imtiaz Jaleel said the plight of tourist guides was already raised before the Centre. “They are among the voiceless who have been badly affected due to the government’s policies related to the pandemic. These guides are assets of the tourism industry and need to be supported during the current crisis,” he said.
Umesh Jadhav, president of Aurangabad Tourist Guides Welfare Association, said
Maharashtra has around 175 RLGs, including over 40 in Aurangabad.
“The ministry of tourism has distinct guidelines for granting licence to RLGs, who also include guides with fluency in identified foreign languages. The process of selection of RLG involves an entrance examination and field training,” he said.
Jadhav said these guides have had spent their valuable years of life in the field of tourism, which is worst-affected due to the pandemic.