(a) whether the Government has any scheme to promote and develop tourism sector in Andhra Pradesh (AP) under Central Financial Assistance scheme and Product infrastructure for Development of Destinations and Circuits schemes;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to promote tourism in AP and Telangana States?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) & (b): Development and promotion of tourism sector is the responsibility of the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations including the State of Andhra Pradesh (AP). The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance to them for tourism projects submitted by them subject to adherence of existing scheme guidelines, availability of funds and liquidation of utilization certificates for funds released earlier.
In pursuance of the recommendations of the Fourteenth Finance Commission the Product Infrastructure for Development of Destinations & Circuits (PIDDC) scheme has been delinked from Union support from the financial year 2015-16, onwards.
However, the Ministry of Tourism has launched two new schemes, namely “Swadesh Darshan for Integrated Development of Circuits around specific themes” and PRASAD for “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive”.
(c): The projects which have been sanctioned from 2014-15 onwards under these two schemes are as follows:-
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
<pre> (Rs. In Lakh)
Sl. No. Circuit Name of the project Amount Sanctioned
2014-15
Andhra Pradesh
1. Coastal Circuit Development of Kakinada – Hope Island – Konaseema as World Class Coastal & Eco Tourism Circuit in Andhra Pradesh 6983.00
Total 6983.00
2015-16
Andhra Pradesh
1. Coastal Circuit Development of Coastal Tourism Circuit in Sri Potti Sriramalu Nellore in Andhra Pradesh 6038.00
Total 6038.00
Telangana
1. Eco Circuit Integrated Development of Eco Tourism Circuit in Mahaboobnagar district, Telangana 9162.00
Total 9162.00
Grand Total 22183.00
</Pre>
PRASAD Scheme
<pre> (Rs. In Lakh)
Sl. No. Name of the project Amount Sanctioned
2015-16
Andhra Pradesh
1. Development of Amravati Town, Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh as a tourist destination 2836.00
Total 2836.00
</pre>
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