The state tourism department has decided to empower female students by training them to become tourist guides.

The initiative aims to make women self-reliant by utilising their services in the tourism sector.

The programme — a 194-hour certificate course — was kicked off last week with an initial group of 40 students receiving tour guide training in collaboration with Behrampore Girls’ College under the state government’s “Utkarsh Bangla” project.

The training programme, which started in Behrampore in Murshidabad district, has attracted students of history, geography and environmental science from various institutions.

Tourist guides play a significant role in promoting tourism destinations and providing an enriching experience.

Murshidabad is one of the popular tourist destinations in the state known for its rich history. The district is home to several monuments and palaces linked to Bengal’s rich past, including the legacy of its last independent ruler Siraj-ud-Daulah.

“There is no better place in the state to begin this training programme, which requires in-depth study and understanding to guide tourists,” said an official from the state tourism department.

At the inauguration ceremony held at the Behrampore Girls’ College auditorium, principal Hena Sinha praised the initiative.

“I commend the state government’s tourism department and Utkarsh Bangla for this remarkable effort to empower our girls. This training will enable them to earn a livelihood as tourist guides, which is truly commendable,” Sinha said.

Highlighting the significance of the programme, district tourism officer Sabyasachi Khan Roy said: “Murshidabad district has a rich history and attracts many tourists. However, they often struggle to find knowledgeable guides as there are no trained guides available at many sites. This training programme aims to address that gap.”

He added: “Previously, only men received such training. This is the first time women are being exclusively trained to become tourist guides in the state. Once trained, these students will work on a rotational basis, earning ₹1,500 per day.”

The training curriculum consists of both theoretical and practical components. Practical sessions will be conducted at historical sites such as Hazarduari, Motijheel and Katra Mosque.

Munmun Pal Bagh, a professor in charge of the National Service Scheme under which the training programme is being organised, said the students were very excited about the programme.

“The training programme has generated immense interest. We started with 40 students, but there were at least 20 more who applied but could not be accommodated due to restrictions by the tourism department. They will be trained in the next batch, which shows the high level of interest among the girls to become self-reliant.”

Students like Nasimun Khatun, Rezmi Nawaj and Joya Mondal have joined the training and expressed gratitude to the state government for providing them with the opportunity.

Sharing her ambitions, Nasimun said: “My primary goal is to conduct research in environmental science. However, I also plan to work as a tourist guide to achieve self-sufficiency and to share correct information with the tourists as well.”