Lok Sabha Question No. 3235 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-12-09
Subject: Creation of Job Opportunities from Rural Tourism
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Bheemrao Baswanthrao Patil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3235 ANSWERED ON 09.12.2019

## CREATION OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES FROM RURAL TOURISM

## 3235. SHRI B.B. PATIL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  rural  tourism  holds immense promise for India;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Government  is  taking  any  strong  measures  to create  more  job  opportunities  for  young  job  seekers  in  the country particularly those from the rural areas; and
- (d) if  so, the details thereof and the response of the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL)

(a) to (d): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  launched  the  Swadesh Darshan  and  PRASHAD  Schemes  for  the  development  of  tourism related infrastructure and facilities in the country.  Recognising the potential  for  the  development  of  rural  tourism  in  the  country,  the Ministry of Tourism has identified 'Rural Circuit' as one of the 15 thematic  circuits  under  the  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme.  Following projects  under  the  Rural  Circuit  theme  of  the  Swadesh  Darshan Scheme has been sanctioned till date:

| State   | Name of Circuit/Year    | Project Name                                                                   |
|---------|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Bihar   | Rural Circuit (2017-18) | 'Development of Gandhi Circuit: Bhitiharwa -Chandrahia Turkaulia in Bihar      |
| Kerala  | Rural Circuit (2018-19) | Development of Rural Circuit: Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism Project in Kerala |

The  projects  under  the  scheme  are  at  various  stages  of implementation/completion.    Further,  it  is  seen  that  the  tourism sector is an important source of employment in the country as it is a labour  intensive  activity.    Ministry  of  Tourism  develops  tourism related infrastructure and promotes India as a Tourism destination to  increase  tourist  arrivals  which  in  turn  creates  employment opportunities in the country.  The Swadesh Darshan Guidelines have a  provision  to  create  employment  through  active  involvement  of local communities.

The  Ministry  also  promotes  the  tourism  destinations  and products including 'Rural Tourism' through its websites, and publicity and promotional material produced by it from time to time. The  Ministry  does  not  maintain  data  with  regard  to  employment generated by implementation of its various schemes.  However, as per the 3 rd  Tourism Satellite Account of India (TSA) - 2015-16 and its subsequent  estimates,  the  contribution  of  tourism  employment  to total  employment of the country during 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19 was 12.20%, 12.13%, 12.75% respectively.

The  Ministry of Rural  Development,  Department  of  Rural Development  is implementing Mahatma  Gandhi  National  Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 which provides at least 100 days of  guaranteed  wage  employment  in  every  financial  year  to  every rural  household  in  the  country,  whose  adult  members  including youth volunteer to do unskilled manual work.  It provides livelihood security i.e., fall back option for livelihood for the rural households when no better employment opportunity is available.

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