(a) whether the Government proposes to include world famous Shirdi Dham and Shani Shingnapur in the central list of tourist centres;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to develop these places?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) to (c): The Ministry of Tourism has launched a new plan scheme “Swadesh Darshan” for Integrated Development of Theme-Based Circuits. Under this scheme 12 thematic circuits have been identified which include inter alia “Spiritual Circuit”. Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for suitable projects for the identified thematic circuits is provided by the Ministry of Tourism subject to availability of funds, receipt of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), liquidation of Utilization Certificates (UCs) for the funds released earlier and adherence to relevant scheme guidelines.
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