(a) whether the Union Government has received any request from the Government of Maharashtra to include Ramdegi Chaprala, Markanda and Gondoda in the list of Central Tourism Centres;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the action taken by Union Government thereon?
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SMT. AMBIKA SONI)
(a), (b) and (c): Development and promotion of tourism in the country is a
continuous process. However, identification of places of tourist interest/spots is
primarily the responsibility of the State Government concerned. The Ministry of
Tourism provides funds on the basis of project proposals prioritized for grant of
central financial assistance every year under the following schemes after detailed
consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations:
(i) Tourist Circuits
(ii) Product Infrastructure & Destination Development
(iii) Large Revenue Generating projects
No project proposal for development of Ramdegi, Chaprala, Markanda and
Gondoda under the scheme of Tourist Circuit was either prioritized for grant of
central financial assistance during the year 2005-06 or 2006-07. During 2005-06,
Ministry of Tourism sanctioned Rs.2075.04 lakh for integrated development of
tourism in the State of Maharashtra.