In a bid to enhance the visitor experience at one of India’s most iconic national monuments, the Department of Art & Culture has opened the application process for the empanelment of freelance tourist guides at the National Memorial Cellular Jail in Sri Vijay Puram.
The call for applications targets local, unemployed youth who meet the eligibility criteria: a minimum qualification of 12th pass from a recognized board and completion of a certified tour guiding course, lasting at least 12 days, from reputed institutions such as IITTM or those under the Ministries of Tourism or Culture.
This move is aimed at improving the interpretive services offered at Cellular Jail, a historic site that draws thousands of domestic and international tourists annually. By involving trained local youth, the initiative also seeks to generate livelihood opportunities while ensuring a more authentic and informed experience for visitors.
Application forms are available for download on the official portal of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and must be submitted in the prescribed format with self-attested documents by July 16, 2025. Submissions are to be made at the Department of Art & Culture’s office, located on the first floor of the Administrative Block within the Cellular Jail Complex at Atlanta Point.
Officials believe that empanelling freelance guides will not only enrich visitor engagement but also introduce standardized tour protocols aligned with heritage conservation practices. Guides selected through the process will serve as cultural ambassadors, offering insights into the historical, political, and social significance of the jail.
The step is part of a larger effort to professionalize the tourism ecosystem in the Union Territory. With tourism playing a vital role in the local economy, officials expect the empanelment drive to provide a dual benefit, improving service delivery and supporting youth employment.
