(7)[ Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) but subject to any rules that may be made under this Act, any State Transport Authority may, for the purpose of promoting tourism, grant [permits valid for the whole or any part of India, in respect of such number of tourist vehicles] [Inserted by Act 56 of 1969, section 29 (w.e.f. 1-10-1970)] as the Central Government may, in respect of that State, specify in this behalf, and the provisions of sections 49, 50, 51, 57, 58, 59, 59A, 60, 61 and 64 shall, as far as may be apply in relation to such permits:[Provided that preference shall be given to applications for permits from-(i)the India Tourism Development Corporation;(ii)a State Tourism Development Corporation;(iii)a State Tourist Department;(iv)such operators of tourist cars, or such travel agents, as may be approved in this behalf by the Ministry of the Central Government dealing in tourism.]
