The Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) was launched in 2014–15 post budget announcement with the objective of integrated development of theme-based tourism circuits. Under this scheme, a total of 76 projects have been sanctioned across the country for a total amount of ₹5290.33 Crore in various States/UTs. Project under the scheme were sanctioned based on the project proposal submitted by the concerned State Government/UT Administration/ Central Agency and its adherence to the scheme guidelines, availability of budget, inter-se priority supported by due approvals. As and when any request for deviation in the project cost is received from the side of State Government with due reasons, the same is considered as per the prescribed procedure.  

The Ministry of Tourism further revamped the scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable tourism destinations in the country and has sanctioned 52 projects under SD2.0 for Rs. 2108.87 Crore. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) - a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan scheme has also sanctioned 36 projects for Rs.648.10 Crore.

A feasibility study of the scheme was undertaken through National Productivity Council in 2019. Under the implementation phase of Swadesh Darshan scheme, project completion timelines varied on case-to-case basis depending on various factors such as Covid 19, seasonality, local issues etc. 

This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2149242)