Bengaluru: The Karnataka state government has announced plans to open the doors of the Vidhana Soudha, one of Bengaluru’s most iconic landmarks, to the public through guided tours. Expected to begin soon, these tours will allow visitors to explore the historic 70-year-old structure, much like the guided tours at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament in New Delhi.

This new initiative follows the state's recent decision to illuminate the majestic Vidhana Soudha on Sundays and public holidays to attract more tourists. “The government wants them to see the Soudha from inside and know the history and significance of the building,” government sources were quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.

The Tourism Department had sought approval from the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) to conduct the tours, which was subsequently granted. According to the order, the tours will be available between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays, second Saturdays, and other government holidays to avoid disrupting government operations.

A digital system for online ticket booking will also be developed by the Tourism Department, the report added. While the exact fare for the tour has not yet been finalised, it is expected to be reasonably priced for the public.

Each tour will be limited to 30 members, and the department will appoint a dedicated tourist officer to oversee the entire process. The visitors should mandatorily have a government ID proof like Aadhaar Card or Voter’s ID to enter the premises. Details of all visitors will need to be submitted to DPAR and security officials daily to ensure proper monitoring.

Additionally, necessary safety measures, including the deployment of an ambulance, fire extinguishers, and other precautions, will be put in place. The use of flying drones will be strictly prohibited.

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Bengaluru: India Post has launched its first Gen Z Post Office in Bengaluru at the Acharya Institute of Technology, aiming to attract college students in an age dominated by emails, WhatsApp and social media.

According to a report published by The New Indian Express, Harsha MR, Assistant Superintendent, Bengaluru West Division Post Office, said the new post office, officially named Gen Z Post Office, Achit Nagar, Bengaluru (PIN 560107), will be inaugurated on Wednesday. It has been creatively designed and painted with graffiti by students of the institute to make it more appealing to young people.

He said “In the Gen Z post office, we have introduced two categories in one category, students can come and work with our staff and get good experience, know more about the schemes and services available under India Post”. “In another category, they can work with us part time and they will be provided with incentives but it is still in the pipeline and yet to be implemented.”

Harsha said the initiative is meant to bring postal services closer to students, researchers and the campus community. Similar Gen Z post offices are also planned at GITAM University and the National Law School of India University.

According to the report, they can also use the services to communicate with students across the campuses also. Unlike other post offices, it is a blend of physical and digital world giving students WIFI services, air-conditioned rooms and even coffee vending machines which Gen Z prefer to use.

Harsha said student representatives who will be in-charge of the campus work at post offices within the campus are yet to be decided.

“A roster will be prepared and different students will be given tasks to serve at various service counters. A senior post master will be in charge of Gen Z post offices and he will guide the students,” TNIE quoted Harsha as saying.

India Post officials allegedly said similar Gen Z post offices will soon be launched in Bengaluru North, South and East divisions as part of a broader effort to connect with younger generations.