It has been continuous endeavor of Ministry of Culture to achieve its mandate i.e preservation and conservation of cultural heritage and promotion of tangible and intangible art and culture through its attached, subordinate and autonomous organizations. Its activities and programmes are accomplished under several broad cultural heads viz. Preservation and conservation of Archaeological sites, Museums and its artefacts, Public Libraries, Promotion and dissemination of Performing Arts, Buddhist and Tibetan studies, International Cultural Relation and construction of cultural complexes etc. across the country including the State of Bihar.

However, as all the Schemes administered by Ministry of Culture are Central Sector Scheme, no funds are allocated state-wise /district wise. The details of funds released to beneficiaries under various schemes in the state of Bihar from the year 2019-20 to 2023-24, is given at Annexure-I.

Further, Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes such as ‘Swadesh Darshan(SD)’, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)’ – a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan and ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA) for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ is complementing the efforts of tourism infrastructure development by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Agencies.

In addition, Government of India under its initiative for ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)’ has provided financial assistance to the States for development of tourism projects across the country including the State of Bihar. However, development and promotion of tourist destinations and tourism products is primarily undertaken by the respective State Government/ Union Territory (UT) Administration//Central Agencies.

As stated above, no state-wise/ district-wise allocation of funds is done under Central Sector Schemes (CSS) administered by Ministry of Culture. However, the funds released under these schemes are monitored on the basis of submission of Utilization Certificates as per General Financial Rule (GFR) Rule -2017, audited statement of accounts duly certified by a Chartered Accountant, Bill vouchers and other evidentiary proofs such as photos/videos, completion certificates, etc. This apart, there is also provisions of on-site physical inspections by the officials of the Ministry to monitor the progress and proper utilization of funds.

Details of the projects sanctioned, amount released /authorised for utilisation and utilised under SD, SD2.0, CBDD, PRASHAD, ACA and SASCI schemes in Bihar including cultural & heritage sites, Buddhist circuit, Spiritual circuit and other pilgrimage sites etc. is given at Annexure-II.

Further, 71 centrally protected monuments and sites under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India, Patna Circle, are maintained in a commendable state of preservation, befitting their heritage significance. The efforts to further enhance their conservation, maintenance, and beautification is done in accordance with the approved Annual Conservation Programme (ACP) and the allocation of funds.

Annexure – I

Annexure referred to in reply of part (b) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.3667 answered on 11.08.2025

Annexure-II

Annexure referred to in reply of part (d) of the Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No.3667 answered on 11.08.2025

Details of Projects sanctioned in the state of Bihar under SD, SD2.0, CBDD, PRASHAD, ACA and SASCI schemes in Bihar including cultural & heritage sites, Buddhist circuit, Spiritual circuit and other pilgrimage sites: -

Swadesh Darshan (SD)

 

Swadesh Darshan (SD) 2.0

 

Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)

S. No.	Year of Sanction	Name of the Project	Sanctioned Cost (₹ Crore)	Amount Authorized for utilisation (₹ Crore)
1	2024-25	Development of Tourist Facilities at Sonepur Mela Ground, Saran	24.29	2.43

Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)

S. No.	Project Name	Sanction Year	Sanction Amount (in ₹ Crores)	Amount Released (in ₹ Crores)	Amount Utilized (in ₹ Crores)
1	Development at Patna Sahib	2015-16	29.62	29.62	29.62
2	Development of basic facilities at Vishnupad temple, Gaya, Bihar	2014-15	3.63	3.63	3.63
3	Development of Ambika Bhawani Temple, Saran	2024-25	13.29	0	0

Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA)

S. No.	Name of Project	Agency	Sanction Date	Amount sanctioned (in ₹ Crore)	Amount Released (in ₹ Crore)
1	3D Mapping with Aqua Screen Projection and Sound Show at Buxar, Bihar and Dynamic Lighting & Motif at Ram Rekha Ghat, Bihar	BECIL	10-06-2024	599.96	59.99

Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)

S. No.	Destination	Name of the Experience	Sanctioned Cost (in ₹ Crore)	Fund release Status (in ₹ Crore)
1	Karamchat	Karamchat Eco-Tourism and Adventure Hub	49.51	97.10
2	Saharsa	Development of Matsyagandha Lake	97.61

This information was given by MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today. 

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(Release ID: 2154987)