Question : FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR NASHIK KUMBH MELA

(a) whether the Nashik Kumbh Mela is going to be held this year in Maharashtra;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the pro- posals received from the Government of Maharashtra for financial and other assistance for smoothly organising the event;

(c) the reaction of the Government thereto and the assistance being provided by the Government inclu- ding the details of fund allocation in this regard;

(d) whether the Government has any plan to adver- tise Nashik Kumbh in the global market to attract tourists; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b) to (e): The State Government of Maharashtra has reportedly submitted a proposal for one time addi- tional central assistances of Rs.2378.78 crore from the Government of India.

As ascertained from the Niti Aayog the proposal of State Government involves activities like creation of temporary and some semi permanent structure relating to essential civic services such as water, sanitation, health and hygiene, drainage, solid waste management, shelter fire services, access to women/differently able persons, renovation/repair/construction of roads, bridges etc. Organising fairs is a State subject. Grant of financial assistance to the State Government is subject to availability of budgetary resources.

So far as Ministry of Tourism is concerned no financial assistance in this regard has been sought by the State Government.