(a) the details of the schemes to promote rural tourism in the country;
(b) the funds sanctioned, released and utilised by the State Governments under
these schemes during each of the last three years and the current year; and
(c) the steps being taken/proposed by the Government for development
and beautification of tourist destinations in rural areas?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM (SHRI SULTAN AHMED)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Tourism is implementing Rural Tourism Scheme
with the main objective of showcasing rural life, art, culture and
heritage in villages which have core competence in art & craft,
handloom, textiles, natural environment etc. An amount of upto
Rs.50.00 Lakhs for infrastructure development and upto Rs.20.00 Lakhs
for capacity building is given for development of rural sites identified by
the State Governments/UT Administrations in consultation with the
State Govt., subject to adherence to scheme guidelines, availability of
funds and inter-se-priority. Central Financial Assistance are given, inter-
alia, for the development of activities like landscaping and
improvement of pathways/pavements, illumination, solid waste and
sewerage management.
The details of the funds sanctioned, released and utilized by the
State Governments/UT Administrations under the Rural Tourism
scheme are given at Annexure.