Question : Development of Rural Tourism in Gujarat

(a) whether the scheme of Rural Tourism is being implemented in various rural areas of the country including Gujarat and Maharashtra and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the details of rural tourism projects being implemented in the country along with the status of such projects, State/UT-wise;
(c) the financial assistance given to States for the development of tourism in rural areas during the last three years;
(d) whether the Government has received proposals from the various State Governments in this regard and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the number of villages/rural areas identified, developed and declared as rural tourism destinations in the country during the said period, State/UT-wise?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K. J. ALPHONS)

(a) to (e): For development of tourism infrastructure in the country, Ministry of Tourism has launched Swadesh Darshan scheme- Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits in 2014-15. Rural Circuit has been identified as one of the fifteen thematic Circuits for development under the scheme.

All rural sites in the country having tourist potential are covered under the circuit.

The details of the projects sanctioned under the Rural Circuit theme is as under:-
<pre>
State/year Project Amt. Sanctioned
(Rs. in Crore)
Bihar
2017-18 Development of Gandhi Circuit: Bhitiharwa - Chandrahia - Turkaulia in Bihar under Rural Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme. 44.65
</pre>
Submission of project under Swadesh Darshan Scheme by State Governments/Union Territory Administrations is a continuous process. The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.

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