Lok Sabha Question No. 164 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-02-03
Subject: Facilities under Adarsh Smarak Yojana
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Naranbhai Bhikhabhai Kachhadiya, Parbatbhai Savabhai Patel, Gitaben Vajesingbhai Rathva, Pradeep Kumar Singh, Shantanu Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.: 164 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2020

## FACILITIES UNDER ADARSH SMARAK YOJANA

164: SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA, SHRI PARBATBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL, SHRIMATI RATHVA GITABEN VAJESINGBHAI, SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH SHRI SHANTANU THAKUR: Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state: (a) the  steps  taken/  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  improve  the  tourism sector; (b) the facilities being provided to the people under Adarsh Smarak Yojana; (c) the amount utilized by the Government for this scheme along with the Statewise details thereof; (d) whether the number of people/ tourists have increased after providing facilities under this scheme; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER FOR STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR CULTURE AND TOURISM (PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL) (a)  Information is attached (Annexure-I) (b)  Though  there  is  no  scheme  as  Adarsh  Smarak  Yojana,  Archaeological  Survey  of India has identified 100 monuments/ sites as Adarsh Smarak for providing facilities like toilet, drinking water, signages, pathways, wheelchair, benches, ramps, souvenir shop, Wi-Fi, cafeteria, Braille signages, etc. (c)  There is no  special budget  for  providing  facilities  at  Adarsh  Smarak(s).  The expenditure is being met out from regular budget of ASI. (d)  No, Sir. (e)  The question does not arise.

## ANNEXURE REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (a) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 164 FOR 03.02.2020

## Steps Taken by Ministry of Tourism to improve the Tourism Sector:

- i. Launched  the  Swadesh  Darshan  Scheme  with  a  vision  to  develop  themebased tourist circuits.
- ii. Launched  the  National  Mission  on  Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme for holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations.
- iii. Identified 17 Iconic Sites in the country for development  by seeking convergence  with  other  Central  Ministries/Departments/State  Governments/ Urban Local Bodies
- iv. Launched the Adopt a Heritage Project for development and maintenance of tourist amenities at heritage sites/monuments and other tourist sites.
- v. Development and promotion of 'Niche Tourism' products to attract tourist with specific interest and to ensure repeat visits for the unique products in which India has a comparative advantage.
- vi. Launched 24x7 toll-free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline.
- vii. Promoting India as a holistic tourism destination including its various tourism sites and products through Incredible India 2.0 Campaign.
- viii. Providing  the  facility  of  e-Visa  for  5  sub-categories  i.e.  e-Tourist  visa,  eBusiness  visa,  e-Medical  visa,  e-Medical  Attendant  visa  and  e-Conference visa for nationals of 170 countries.
- ix. E-Visa  has  been  further  liberalized  and  the  visa  fee  has  been substantially reduced.
- x. Revamp of Incredible India Website having information on tourism sites/destinations in different States/Union Territory Administrations.
- xi. Launched  the  Buddhist  website  - indiathelandofbuddha.in to  promote  and showcase the rich Buddhist Heritage in India.
- xii. Launched  Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Programme on an online digital platform to provide basic, advanced  and  refresher courses for tourist facilitators.
- xiii. New mountain peaks have been opened for Mountaineering/Trekking to give a boost to adventure tourism in the country.
- xiv. Lowering of GST on hotels rooms with tariffs of ₹1,001 to ₹7,500/night to 12% and  for ₹7,501  &  above  to  18% to  increase  India's  competitiveness  as  a tourism destination.