Alphons Kannanthanam - ex-bureaucrat and Modi's man for tourism

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new man to handle tourism, an area where the NDA government has launched a number of projects over the last two years, is Alphons Kannanthanam - a bureaucrat-turned-politician who has a strong reputation as an administrator.

Modi's move to induct Kannanthanam, a 1979-batch IAS officer from Kerala, in the council of ministers is being seen as part of the BJP's efforts to expand its footprint in the southern state, where it has been working hard to emerge as a potent force.

He replaces Mahesh Sharma, who retains his post as MoS Culture.

Kannanthanam, who is the first minister from Kerala in the Modi government, was born in a non-electrified Manimala village in Kottayam district to a World War II veteran.

During his stint in the IAS, Kannanthanam served in several key positions. He shot to fame when as the commissioner of the Delhi Development Authority in the mid- 1990s he ordered demolition of thousands of illegal constructions, earning himself the sobriquet of 'demolition man'.

Among his major achievements is the key role he played in the literacy movement in India. As Kottayam district collector, he helped it become the first 100 per cent literate town in India in 1989.

Known for his strong anti-corruption stance, the 64-year- old also featured in Time magazine's list of 100 Young Global Leaders in 1994. He was recently nominated to the Kasturirangan-led panel set up to prepare the National Education Policy.

BJP state president Kummanom Rajasekharan termed his induction in the cabinet as an 'Onam gift' of the NDA government.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated "longtime friend" Kannanthanam and hoped his appointment will benefit the state.

"Parallel efforts from both Centre and state will certainly ensure successful development of Kerala. Hope Shri Alphons will work for the same. He will be a voice for Kerala's concern in the cabinet (sic)," the CM tweeted.

Officials say tourism has emerged as one of the most important ministries of the Modi government with many projects being approved and sanctioned to suit regional sensibilities and demands.

Kerala is one of the top states in terms of tourist inflow.

According to the Kerala Tourism Information Office, international tourist arrivals stood at 10.38 lakh and domestic tourists at 1.32 crore during 2016, generating a revenue of Rs 37,407 crore cumulatively.