(a) the steps taken/ being taken by the Government to improve the tourism sector;
(b) the facilities being provided to the people under Adarsh Smarak Yojana;
(c) the amount utilized by the Government for this scheme along with the State-wise details thereof;
(d) whether the number of people/ tourists have increased after providing facilities under this scheme; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER FOR STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM
(PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a) Information is attached (Annexure-I)
(b) Though there is no scheme as Adarsh Smarak Yojana, Archaeological Survey of India has identified 100 monuments/ sites as Adarsh Smarak for providing facilities like toilet, drinking water, signages, pathways, wheelchair, benches, ramps, souvenir shop, Wi-Fi, cafeteria, Braille signages, etc.
(c) There is no special budget for providing facilities at Adarsh Smarak(s). The expenditure is being met out from regular budget of ASI.
(d) No, Sir.
(e) The question does not arise.
ANNEXURE-I
ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 164 FOR 03.02.2020
Steps Taken by Ministry of Tourism to improve the Tourism Sector:
i. Launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme with a vision to develop theme-based tourist circuits.
ii. Launched the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme for holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
iii. Identified 17 Iconic Sites in the country for development by seeking convergence with other Central Ministries/Departments/State Governments/ Urban Local Bodies
iv. Launched the Adopt a Heritage Project for development and maintenance of tourist amenities at heritage sites/monuments and other tourist sites.
v. Development and promotion of ‘Niche Tourism’ products to attract tourist with specific interest and to ensure repeat visits for the unique products in which India has a comparative advantage.
vi. Launched 24x7 toll-free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline.
vii. Promoting India as a holistic tourism destination including its various tourism sites and products through Incredible India 2.0 Campaign.
viii. Providing the facility of e-Visa for 5 sub-categories i.e. e-Tourist visa, e-Business visa, e-Medical visa, e-Medical Attendant visa and e-Conference visa for nationals of 170 countries.
ix. E-Visa has been further liberalized and the visa fee has been substantially reduced.
x. Revamp of Incredible India Website having information on tourism sites/destinations in different States/Union Territory Administrations.
xi. Launched the Buddhist website - indiathelandofbuddha.in to promote and showcase the rich Buddhist Heritage in India.
xii. Launched Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Programme on an online digital platform to provide basic, advanced and refresher courses for tourist facilitators.
xiii. New mountain peaks have been opened for Mountaineering/Trekking to give a boost to adventure tourism in the country.
xiv. Lowering of GST on hotels rooms with tariffs of ?1,001 to ?7,500/night to 12% and for ?7,501 & above to 18% to increase India’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.