Question : Inclusion of Tourist Circuits in Swadesh Darshan Scheme

(a) whether the Government is considering to include Buddhist Circuit in Odisha and Gujarat under Swadesh Darshan Scheme;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government in this regard along with the funds allocated and expenditure incurred during the last three years;
(c) whether the Government is treating this project as a special project under Swadesh Darshan Scheme and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has identified any international agency for funding of this project; and
(e) if so, the details thereof

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) to (e): All places associated with the Buddhist heritage in the country including sites in the state of Odisha and Gujarat are covered under Buddhist Circuit Theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Government/UT and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.
The details of projects sanctioned under the Buddhist Circuit Theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme since 2014-15 are as under:

<pre> (Rs. in crore)
Sl. No. State/ UT Name of the Project Amt. Sanctioned
Year 2014-15
1. Bihar Construction of Cultural Centre adjacent to Maya Sarovar on the western side at Bodhgaya, Bihar 33.17
Year 2016-17
1. Madhya Pradesh Development of Buddhist Circuit in Sanchi-Satna-Rewa-Mandsaur-Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. 74.94
2. Uttar Pradesh Development of Buddhist Circuit – Sravasti, Kushinagar & Kapilvastu in Uttar Pradesh. 99.97

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