(a) the policy of the Government for the development of important places from tourism and historical point of view in Rajasthan;
(b) whether the Government of Rajasthan has sent any scheme in this regard for consideration of the Union Government;
(c) if so, the details thereof, location-wise, and the time by which the decision is likely to be taken thereon; and
(d) the number of foreign tourists who visited Rajasthan during the last year and the income earned therefrom?
MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI ANANTH KUMAR)
(a) to (c): Development of tourism is primarily undertaken by the State Governments/ UT Administrations. Department of Tourism, however, provides financial assistance for tourism projects prioritised in consultation with the State Governments. During the first 3 years of IX Plan 49 projects of Rajasthan with Central component of Rs. 712.03 lakhs have been sanctioned. During the current year 17 projects with central component of Rs. 248.14 lakhs covering important tourist places like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Sawai Madhopur, Ranakpur and Udaipur have been prioritised.
(d): During 1999, 63.97 lakhs foreign tourists are estimated to have visited Rajasthan. Estimates of State-wise earnings from tourism are not maintained