PROJECTS UNDER SWADESH DARSHAN

The Ministry of Tourism launched its Swadesh Darshan scheme in 2014-15 with the idea to develop thematic circuits in the country and sanctioned 76 tourism projects to develop tourism infrastructure in the country for Rs.5290.33 Crore and 75 projects are noted as physically complete. This scheme was revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations and the Ministry has sanctioned 53 projects under SD2.0 for Rs.2208.31 Crore which are at different stages of implementation on part of concerned State Governments/UT Administrations. The Ministry invited proposals from the State Governments /UT Administration under its 'Challenge Based Destination Development -CBDD', an initiative under Swadesh Darshan and sanctioned 38 projects for Rs.697.94 Crore under 4 categories viz. Culture & Heritage, spiritual tourism, Vibrant Villages and Eco-tourism & Amrit Dharohar Sites. CBDD initiative has a primary objective to undertake holistic development of destinations to enhance tourist experience and to transform tourist destinations as sustainable and responsible destinations.

With the aim to develop iconic tourist centres in the country, the Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines along with detailed project report template under Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. Accordingly, 40 projects were sanctioned under the scheme for ₹3295.76 Crore in the financial year 2024-25.

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today

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M Annadurai