Question : Financial Assistance for Development of Tourist Spots

(a) whether the Government has provided financial assistance to the State Government for the development/maintenance of the tourists spots in their respective States;
(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise including Maharashtra;
(c) whether the State Governments have fully utilised the said funds during the last two years and if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government has received proposals from various State Governments in this regard; and
(e) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and the action taken by the Government on their proposals?

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

(a): For development of tourism infrastructure in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has launched two new schemes in 2014-15 i.e. Swadesh Darshan - Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits and PRASAD- Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive. The operation and maintenance of assets created under the scheme is the responsibility of respective States/Union Territory Administrations.

(b): The details of projects sanctioned under both the schemes since it’s launch are annexed.

(c): The State Governments of Bihar, Andhra Pradesh (PRASAD scheme) and Uttarakhand, Manipur and Mizoram (Swadesh Darshan scheme) have submitted Utilization Certificate for the released funds.

(d) and (e): The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for various tourism projects subject to availability of funds, liquidation of pending utilization certificates against the funds released earlier, submission of suitable detailed project report and adherence to the relevant scheme guidelines.


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