Question : Linking of Religious and Historical Places

(a) whether the Government has any scheme to connect all major and small places of religious, cultural and historical importance with various tourist circuits;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the details of the places which have been connected/are proposed to be connected under the scheme, State/UT-wise;
(c) whether the Government has consulted the concerned Central Ministries and other stakeholders in this regard; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the follow-up action taken in this regard?

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

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.


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STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.†*59 ANSWERED ON 06.02.2017 REGARDING LINKING OF RELIGIOUS AND HISTORICAL PLACES.
(a): For integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has launched Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15. Under this scheme thirteen thematic circuits have been identified for development 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.
(b): The details of projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme since its launch is annexed.
(c) to (d): Before sanctioning any project under the scheme, an inter-ministerial consultation (Mission Directorate Meeting) is held along with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations to discuss the merits and feasibility of the projects.
Further, as per the scheme guidelines a National Steering Committee (NSC) has been constituted to steer the Mission objectives and vision of the scheme. The NSC is chaired by the Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and has concerned Secretaries from 14 Ministries of the Government of India as members. The NSC enunciates the vision and chalk out the road map for the scheme, oversee all operation, steer, review and monitor overall performance of the scheme and reviews the proposed/ongoing projects periodically.

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