Swadesh Darshan 2 Scheme

Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2 is a central sector scheme for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.

Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a central sector scheme for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits., financial support is provided by the Ministry of Tourism to State governments, Union Territory Administrations or Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.

It was based on thematic circuits such as Buddhist Circuit, Desert Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Northeast Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Sufi Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Wildlife Circuit.

Significance: The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a central sector scheme for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.would synergize with other government schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, and Make in India.

It would promote tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, driving force for economic growth and building synergy with various sectors.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme Criticism

• • Low resource allocation due to the many destinations being covered as thematic circuit.
  • Inefficiency in implementation due to involvement of too many stakeholders.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme Policy

• The government has identified locations in 15 States across India to be promoted under this new tourism policy. The policy will focus on destination tourism.
• Prominent destinations: Jhansi and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) Gwalior, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh) and Ajanta and Ellora (Maharashtra).
• Target: The scheme has been developed on the theme of ‘vocal for local’. It is essentially aimed at targeting domestic tourists.
• Objectives: Create jobs including self-employment for local communities, improve skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality, increase private sector investment in tourism and hospitality and preserve local cultural and natural resources.
• Major themes: (i) Culture and Heritage (ii) Adventure Tourism (iii) Eco-Tourism (iv) Wellness Tourism (v) MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) Tourism (vi) Rural Tourism (vii) Beach Tourism (viii) Cruises – Ocean & Inland.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme Tourist Circuit

• Employment: The contribution of tourism to the employment of the country is 14.78%, 14.87 % and 15.34 % for 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 respectively.
• Job numbers: The sector employed 72.69 million in 2017-18, 75.85 million in 2018-19 and 79.86 million in 2019-20.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme and PRASAD Scheme

• The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) is a central sector scheme by Ministry of Tourism, launched with the objective of holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
• The scheme aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritized, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience.
• Implementation: State/Union Territory Government has to designate agencies to carry out the projects outlined under this scheme.
• Objectives:
  • Enhancing tourism attractiveness in a sustainable manner
  • Harnessing pilgrimage tourism to multiply employment generation and economic development.
  • Promoting local art and culture, handicraft and cuisines etc.
  • Developing world-class infrastructure in religious destinations
  • Following community-based development and pro-poor tourism concepts when creating the venues for pilgrimages.
  • Using resources and knowledge from the public sector.

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