Question : Schemes for Tourism Development

(a) whether the Government has formulated any plan/scheme for the development of tourism in various States of the country including in the North Eastern Region (NER);
(b) if so, the details of the said schemes in various States along with the funds allocated and expenditure incurred during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government has any plan to start a religious circuit for the NER and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has identified some new tourist spots in the NER and has taken steps including Public Private Partnerships for the development of these spots and to promote cultural heritage of the NER and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) whether the Government has formulated any specific plan for the infrastructure development to promote tourism industry in the North-Eastern region and if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (e): Ministry of Tourism launched two schemes pursuant to the Budget announcements of 2014-15 for the development and promotion of tourism in the country, including the North Eastern Region (NER).

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around Specific Themes. The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) was launched to beautify and improve amenities and infrastructure at major pilgrimage sites in the country.

Thirteen theme based circuits have been identified under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme namely, North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit. Under PRASAD, 13 pilgrimage sites have been identified, which includes Kamakhya in North East.

The Guidelines for both the schemes provide for suitable Public- Private-Partnerships. However, no project proposal has so far been received under PPP.

Details of projects sanctioned to States/UTs, including the North East during 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 are given at Annexure.

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