Lok Sabha Question No. 3430 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-08-09
Subject: Promotion of Rural Tourism to Enhance Income of Rural People
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Queen Oja

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3430

## ANSWERED ON 09.08.2021

## PROMOTION OF RURAL TOURISM TO ENHANCE INCOME OF RURAL

PEOPLE

## 3430. SHRIMATI QUEEN OJA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  promote  rural tourism  considering  the  immense  potential  in  rural  life  to enhance the income of rural people;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c) whether any study has been conducted by the Government to identify the reasons as to why rural tourism is not getting the attention  it  deserves  and  if  so,  the  details  and  outcome thereof;
- (d) whether the Government has invested sufficient funds for the development of rural tourism; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years?

## ANSWER

(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (e): Rural  Tourism  has  been  identified  as  one  of  the  Niche Tourism  areas  for  development  in  the  country  by  the  Ministry  of Tourism.

Ministry of Tourism has launched  the  Swadesh  Darshan scheme for integrated development of theme based tourist circuits for development  of  tourism  in  the country. Recognising  the potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry has identified Rural Circuit as one of the fifteen thematic circuits for development under  the  Scheme  and  is  aimed  at  leveraging  tourism  as  a  force multiple  for  revitalizing  the  rural  economy  and  for  giving  both domestic and international tourists a glimpse of rural aspect of the country.

The projects for development of tourism related infrastructure including rural tourism project/ proposal are identified for development  under  the  circuit in consultation with the State Governments/UT  Administrations  and  are  sanctioned  subject  to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence  to  scheme  guidelines  and  utilization  of  funds  released earlier.

Based on the above criteria, Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned the following projects under the Rural Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme in the country:-

| State/Year of Sanction   | Details                                                          |   Amount Sanctioned (in Rs. Crores) |
|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Bihar 2017-18            | Development of Gandhi Circuit: Bhitiharwa- Chandrahia- Turkaulia |                               44.65 |
| Kerala 2018-19           | Development of Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism Project            |                               80.37 |

Apart from above, Ministry of Tourism has formulated a Draft 'National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in  India    -  An  initiative  towards  Atmanirbhar  Bharat',  which,  inter alia,  focuses  on  generating  income  and  jobs  in  rural  areas  and empower local communities, youth and women, fulfilling the vision of  Aatmanirbhar  Bharat.      In  order  to  make  the  document  more comprehensive, Ministry of Tourism has invited feedback/comments/suggestions on the draft National Strategy and Roadmap from concerned Central Ministries, all the State Governments/UT Administrations and industry stakeholders.

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