Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Objectives, Features, and Key Developments

Context: The Central Government has sanctioned 116 new tourist destinations across India under SD 2.0 & CBDD scheme in partnership with State Governments.

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 is a flagship initiative launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations across the country. The scheme aims to enhance the tourism infrastructure, promote destination management, and increase private sector participation in the tourism and hospitality sector. The recent inclusion of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme highlights the government’s commitment to developing eco-friendly and culturally rich tourist destinations.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was initially launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism to promote theme-based tourist circuits in India. It focused on creating world-class infrastructure to boost domestic and international tourism.

Key Features of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• 100% Centrally Funded: The scheme is entirely funded by the central government.
• Development of Infrastructure: Financial assistance is provided to State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, and Central Agencies for creating and upgrading tourism infrastructure.
• Thematic Tourist Circuits: The scheme identified specific themes such as heritage, culture, wildlife, spiritual, rural, and eco-tourism for targeted development.
• Operation and Maintenance: The responsibility of maintaining the infrastructure created under the scheme rests with the respective State Governments or UT Administrations.
• State Implementation: Executed through State Governments and UTs.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0

The Ministry of Tourism revamped the original scheme into Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to address the gaps in the first phase and focus on more sustainable and responsible tourism practices.

• It was launched in 2022.
• Focus Shifted from a circuit-based to a destination-based approach.
• It encouraged public-private partnerships (PPP).
• Key Focus Areas: Tribal tourism, rural tourism, and heritage tourism.

Objectives of Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme

• Promote sustainable and responsible tourism in line with environmental and cultural conservation.
• Develop tourism infrastructure with improved destination management and human capital development.
• Encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to enhance private-sector investment in the tourism and hospitality sector.
• Establish a policy and institutional framework to support long-term tourism growth.
• Create employment opportunities and support local communities through increased tourist inflow.

New Features of Swadesh Darshan 2.0

• Destination-Centric Approach: Unlike the first phase, which was circuit-based, SD2.0 focuses on the development of specific tourist destinations.
• Focus on Sustainability: Emphasis on eco-tourism, responsible tourism, and minimizing environmental impact.
• Skill Development: Promoting human capital development in the tourism and hospitality sector.
• Enhanced Marketing and Promotion: Leveraging digital platforms and global outreach to attract domestic and international tourists.
• Increased Private Sector Participation: Encouraging private sector investment in tourism infrastructure and services.

Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) (Sub-Scheme under SD2.0)

• It promotes the holistic development of select destinations.
• Enhances visitor experience through better facilities and branding.

Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Swadesh Darshan 2.0

Challenges

• Ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.
• Balancing tourism development with wildlife conservation.
• Involving local communities without disturbing the natural ecosystem.

Opportunities

• Expanding India’s presence as a global tourism destination.
• Generating employment and economic growth.
• Encouraging innovative tourism models like eco-lodges and adventure tourism.

Conclusion

The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme represents a significant shift in India’s tourism strategy by focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism. The inclusion of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary highlights the government’s commitment to promoting eco-tourism and preserving biodiversity. By encouraging private sector investment and fostering public-private partnerships, the scheme aims to transform India into a leading global tourist destination while ensuring environmental conservation and local community involvement.

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