Question : Infrastructure Development in NER

(a) whether the Government has taken adequate steps to showcase the rich cultural heritage of North Eastern States of the country both at domestic and international level and if so, the details thereof along with the extent of success achieved therefrom;
(b) whether the Government has received proposals for tourism promotion and infrastructure development in the North Eastern Region (NER) and if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Assam;
(c) whether any proposals are pending with the Government and if so, the details thereof along with their status;
(d) whether the Government has identified certain new spots in the NER for development of infrastructure and tourism promotion and if so, the details thereof;
(e) the details of funds allocated for tourism promotion and infrastructural development in the NER during the last three years, year-wise and State-wise; and
(f) the details of national and international tourists visited the NER during the said period, State-wise?

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

(a): The Ministry of Tourism undertakes various activities for the promotion of North Eastern region of the country as a tourist destination. These activities include (i) Release of television campaigns on Doordarshan and private channels in the country (ii) Production of publicity material, creatives and television commercials/promotional films on the region (iii) The North East region is the theme of the India Pavilion set up by the Ministry at the South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) in which the Ministry participates annually (iv) Complimentary space is provided to the North Eastern States for their participation in the India Pavilion set up by the Ministry at major international travel fairs and exhibitions (v) The Ministry organizes an annual International Tourism Mart in the North Eastern region with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region.

(b) to (e): Ministry of Tourism, under its Domestic Promotion and Publicity including Hospitality Scheme provides financial assistance to State Governments/UT Administrations for organising fairs and festivals which have the potential for promoting tourism to the region. The details of funds sanctioned for organising fairs and festivals in the North East Region is given in Annexure – I. For development of tourism infrastructure in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has launched Swadesh Darshan – Integrated Development of Theme Based Tourist Circuits Scheme in 2014-15. Ministry of Tourism is developing infrastructural facilities at religious places in the country under its scheme of PRASHAD- National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive. Submission of proposals are a continuous process and financial assistance is extended subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier. The details of the tourism projects sanctioned in NER under the above Schemes during the last three financial years including the current year are given in Annexure - II.

(f): The details of national and international tourists who have visited NER during the last three years ( 2014,2015 and 2016), year-wise and State –wise, is given in Annexure –III.

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