Swadesh Darshan 2
- Category
Polity & Governance
- Published
28th Oct, 2022
-
Context
The Government is going to launch the ‘Swadesh Darshan 2’ Scheme with the sites being selected from 15 States across the country to move forward from theme-based destinations to Potential tourist destinations.
About
Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
- Swadesh Darshanis a Central Sector Scheme.
- The scheme was launched in 2014-15 for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
- Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourismprovides financial assistance to State governments, Union Territory Administrations, or Central Agencies for the development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
- The scheme was envisioned to synergize with other government schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, and Make in India with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, the driving force for economic growth, building synergy with various sectors to enable tourism to realize its potential.
- Some of the prominent circuits launched under this were the Buddhist tourist circle, Ambedkar Tourist Circle,and the North-East Tourist Circle.
A tourism circuit is a path that includes at least three popular tourist attractions that are not located in the same town, village, or city and are not far apart.
|
The ‘Swadesh Darshan 2’: (The revamped scheme)
- The Scheme is based on sites that have potential as tourist places and are to be launched in a phased manner.
- The first phase of the scheme is going to start in January 2023.
- Aim: The objective will move from ‘theme-based tourist’ circuits and focuses on ‘revving up destination tourism’.
- The scheme has been revamped with the mantra of “vocal for local”.
- Fund allocation: The Swadesh Darshan scheme is 100% centrally funded.
- Sites selected:
- Fifteen States are part of the first phase which includes Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Two destinations from each State have been identified by the Ministry of Tourism.
- Some of the prominent places identified are;
- Jhansi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh,
- Gwalior, Chitrakoot,, and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and
- Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra.
- Earlier the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 has been revived to develop sustainable and responsible destinations with a tourist and destination-centric approach.