Lok Sabha Question No. 4 (STARRED), answered on 2019-11-18
Subject: Development of New Tourism Circuit
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Vishnu Dayal Ram

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*4 ANSWERED ON 18.11.2019

## DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOURISM CIRCUIT

- *4. SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  is  planning  to  develop  any  new tourism  circuit  in  Jharkhand  like  the  Buddhist  and  tribal circuits apart from the proposed Eco-circuits under its Swadesh Darshan scheme;
- (b)
- (c) Jharkhand?

if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and the other steps taken by the Government to boost tourism in

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (c): A statement is laid on the table of the House.

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STATEMENT  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF  LOK  SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.*4 ANSWERED ON 18.11.2019 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOURISM CIRCUIT.

(a) and (b): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  is  developing  thematic circuits  in  the  country  under  its  scheme  of  Swadesh  Darshan  in a planned and prioritized manner. The projects for development under the scheme are identified in consultation with the State Governments/Union Territory  Administrations/Central  Agencies and are sanctioned  subject  to  availability of  funds,  submission  of suitable detailed project reports, their adherence to relevant scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.

Based  on  above  parameter,  Ministry has sanctioned the project Development of Eco Circuit: Dalma- Chandil- Getalsud- Betla National Park- Mirchaiya- Netarhat in Jharkhand for Rs.52.72 crore during 2018-19. Ministry has not received any project proposal from the State Government under Buddhist and Tribal circuit theme.

(c):  Ministry  has  taken  several  initiatives  to  boost  tourism  in  the country including Jharkhand, which inter-alia include:

-  Deogarh  and  Parasnath  have  been  identified  as  sites  for development  in  Jharkhand  under  the  PRASHAD  scheme.  A project for Rs.39.13 crore has been sanctioned during 2018-19 for development of Deoghar.
-  Rs.25.00  lakh  has  been  sanctioned  for  Itkhori  Mahotsav  in Jharkhand during 2017-18. Rs.50.00 lakh has been sanctioned for  Bhairavnath  Mahotsav  &  Sharad  Mahotsav  in  Jharkhand during 2019-20.
- 
- Extension of e- visa facility to citizens of 169 countries.
-  Launch  of  the  Incredible  India  2.0  campaign  with  market specific promotional plans and content creation.
-  Revamping of Incredible India website with the aim to provide more information about India as a tourist destination.
-  Launch  of  24x7  toll  free  multi-lingual  tourist  helpline  in  12 International languages including Hindi and English.
-  Organisation  of  annual  Global  Tourism  Mart  for  India  in  line with  major  international  travel  marts  being  held  in  countries across the world. It provides a platform for all stakeholders in tourism  and  hospitality  industries  to  interact  and  transact business opportunities.
-  Organisation of biennial International Buddhist Conclave.
-  Organisation of Annual International Tourism Mart for promotion of tourism in North Eastern States.
-  Promotional activities in tourist generating markets overseas through the India Tourism Offices abroad with active participation  in  travel  fairs  and  exhibitions;  organising  Road Shows, 'Know India' seminars & workshops.

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