Rs. 600 Crore Funds for States/UTs Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme
During the year 2015-16, under Budget Estimates, Rs.600 crore have been allocated to the States/UTs under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The North East States have received the major part of the funds. Government of India sanctioned Rs 169.87 crore for States of Manipur & Sikkim in 2015-16. The Ministry has launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner by synergizing efforts to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities. Under the scheme twelve themes have been identified for development initially, namely: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question today in Lok Sabha.
