Question : Arrangements for Simhastha Kumbh Mela

(a) whether the Government has made arrangements for pilgrims who are expected to visit the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, 2016 in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has any plan to advertise Ujjain Kumbh in the global market to attract tourists and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the present arrangements are sufficient to meet the requirement of pilgrims;
(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to provide adequate facilities/assistance including allocation of funds to pilgrims to meet the requirement of pilgrims?

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

(a) to (e): The development and promotion of tourism is primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to States/UTs for tourism projects, subject to adherence of Scheme Guidelines, availability of funds and submission of Utilization Certificates for funds released earlier.

As reported by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh, arrangements for Simhastha Kumbh Mela, 2016 in Ujjain, have been made by them and the event has been highlighted in the World Travel Mart (WTM), London (November, 2015) and International Travel Borse (ITB), in Berlin, Germany, (March, 2016) to attract tourists in International Global Market.
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