Centre sanctions 116 new tourist spots across the country

Context

The Centre has sanctioned 116 new tourist destinations across the country under various schemes in partnership with State governments which would be developed at a cost of ₹4,088 crores

The Swadesh Darshan scheme aims to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations by focusing on theme-based circuits and providing financial assistance to State governments for infrastructure development.

The Centre has also approved the initiative to develop tribal homestays under the Swadesh Darshan scheme as part of the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country.

It is 100% centrally funded scheme (central sector scheme).

Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State governments, Union Territory Administrations or Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.

Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of the projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme is the responsibility of the respective State Government/UT Administration

Swadesh Darshan 2.0:

The objective for the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme is to increase private sector investment in tourism & hospitality.

It may help in increasing Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the field of tourism and operation and maintenance of the created assets under the scheme

About PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

It is a centrally sponsored scheme for the welfare of tribal families in tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts.

It will cover around 63,000 villages benefitting more than 5 crore tribal people.

According to the 2011 Census, India has a Scheduled Tribe (ST) population of 10.42 crore (8.6%), consisting of over 705 tribal communities.

Objective: It envisions fulfilling critical gaps in social infrastructure like health, education, livelihood, through different schemes of Government of India by convergence and outreach.

Initiatives under PMJUGA Scheme

Tribal Home Stay: To boost tourism in tribal areas and provide alternative livelihoods, the Ministry of Tourism will promote 1,000 homestays under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. Villages with tourist potential will receive funding for 5-10 homestays, with each household eligible for Rs 5 lakh to build two new rooms, up to Rs 3 lakh for renovating existing rooms, and Rs 5 lakh for community needs.

Sustainable Livelihood for Forest Right Holders: The mission places a special focus on 22 lakh Forest Rights Act, 2006 patta holders in forest areas. It aims to expedite the recognition of forest rights, empower tribal communities, and provide sustainable livelihoods through various governmental schemes.

Improving infrastructure of Govt residential Schools and Hostels: The initiative includes improving the infrastructure of tribal residential schools, hostels, and ashram schools to enhance local educational resources, promote enrollment, and retain students in these institutions.

Advanced facilities for diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease: Centre of Competence (CoC) would be set up in AIIMS and premier Institutes in the States where Sickle cell disease is prevalent.