(a) whether the Government propose to launch any project for the development of tourism in tribal areas of Maharashtra during the Tenth Five Year Plan; and
(b) if so, the details and assistance proposed to be provided to the State Government for the purpose?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI JAGMOHAN)
(a) and (b): During the 10th Five Year Plan, Department of Tourism, Government of India
has decided to identify integrated travel circuits in the country each year. These circuits
are finalised and developed in close coordination and partnership with the State/UT
Governments and the concerned Govt. of India Departments. In addition to this it has
also been decided to identify one major destination in each State/UT Administration,
each year in consultation with them for overall development including in the State of
Maharashtra. These schemes cover tourism projects in tribal areas also.
On the basis of project proposals received by the Department of Tourism, Govt.
of India during the year 2002-03 from the Government of Maharashtra,8 projects were
sanctioned for central financial assistance of Rs.623.46 lakhs. The Department of Culture
sanctioned 10 projects for Rs.285.30 lakhs.