Question : Funds Allocated for Tourism Projects in Bihar

(a) the details of the projects prioritized for the development of tourism in the country including Bihar and funds provided thereunder during 2019-20, State/UT-wise;
(b) the details of utilisation of funds reported out of the sanctioned funds under the projects prioritized for development of tourism during each of the last three years along with the status thereof, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government provides any special package to the States/UTs for the development of tourism and if so, the details thereof indicating the package provided during the said period, State/ UT-wise;
(d) the monitoring mechanism put in place by the Government to review the progress of such projects; and
(e) the further measures being taken by the Government to promote tourism in the country specially in Bihar?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (c): The Ministry of Tourism does not provide any special package to any State/Union Territory (UT) Administration for development of Tourism. However, it provides Central Financial Assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure in the country under the schemes of PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive), Swadesh Darshan and Assistance to Central Agencies.

The details of projects sanctioned/expenditure incurred on the projects sanctioned in the country during last three years and 2019-20 including Bihar are at annexure.

(d): Review/Monitoring of sanctioned projects under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASHAD’ schemes is a continuous process. States/UTs are required to submit reports of the State Level Monitoring Committees to the Ministry of Tourism periodically. The Ministry of Tourism also monitors the implementation of projects through Regional offices, field inspections by the officers of the Ministry and periodical review meetings with the State/UT officers. The Ministry has also developed an on line monitoring portal to monitor the real time physical and financial progress of the projects.

(e): The Ministry of Tourism promotes India as a holistic destination under the Incredible India brand-line. The Ministry of Tourism, as part of its on-going activities, releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country including that in Bihar. Promotions are also undertaken through the Social Media accounts and website of the Ministry.

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