(a) whether the Government has implemented any specific projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to promote rural tourism in Maharashtra;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has devised the parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of this scheme in promoting rural tourism; and
(d) if so, the year-wise details of the total amount invested under this scheme and total tourist inflow in Maharashtra during the year 2019-20?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)
(a) to (c): Ministry of Tourism under it''s Swadesh Darshan Scheme provides financial assistance to the state governments/UT administration for developing tourism infrastructure in identified circuits across the country having tourism potential in a planned and prioritized manner. Rural circuit has been identified as one of the thematic circuit for development under the scheme. The projects once complete are expected to enhance tourist experience and increase tourist footfalls which in turn would help to augment revenue and jobs in tourism sector. The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable Detailed Project Reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.
(d): Based on the above criteria, detailed below are the projects sanctioned under Rural Circuit in the country and projects in Maharashtra are given in Annexure-I.
Details of the Tourist arrivals in Maharashtra are at Annexure-II.
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