Lok Sabha Question No. 3458 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: Development of Tribal Tourism Circuit
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Adv Gowaal Kagada Padavi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3458

## ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF TRIBAL TOURISM CIRCUIT

## 3458. ADV GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government plans to develop a " Tribal Tourism Circuit " featuring prominent tribal destinations;
- (b)
- if so, the details of the sites identified along with project timeline;
- (c) whether community -run Homestays and guided tours by tribal youth are to be included therein;
- (d) the  details  of  the  promotional  investments  made  nationally  and internationally; and
- (e) the manner in which SWADESH and sanitation facilities are likely to be integrated at these tourist spots?

## ANSWER

(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

(a) to (e): Development of different tourist destinations is primarily undertaken  by  the  concerned  State  Governments / UT  Administrations . However,  the  Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  central  sector  schemes  of ' Swadesh Darshan ( SD )' ,  'Swadesh Darshan 2 . 0 ( SD2 . 0 ) ', ' Challenge Based Destination Development ( CBDD )' -a sub -scheme of Swadesh Darshan and ' Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive ( PRASHAD )' schemes  complements  the  efforts  of  tourism  infrastructure development  and  amenities  at  tourism  destinations  across  the  country . This also includes tribal areas where tribal communities are significantly represented  for  enhancing  tourism  experiences  by  extending  financial assistance to the State Governments / UT Administrations .

This financial assistance is extended subject to availability of funds, adherence to scheme guidelines and other instructions issued from time to time,  submission  of  Detailed  Project  Reports ( DPRs ) by  the  concerned State Governments / UT Administrations, etc .

In  addition,  Government  of  India  under  its  initiative  for ' Special Assistance  to  States  for  Capital  Investment ( SASCI )' has  also  provided financial assistance to the States for development of tourism projects .

Under the SD Scheme, launched in 2014 -15, thematic circuits were identified for development . Among them, the Tribal Circuit was one of the key  themes,  with  an  aim  to  showcase  the  rich  tribal  culture,  traditions, crafts, and heritage of various regions .

The  Details  of  the  projects  sanctioned  under  SD  Scheme  in  Tribal Circuit is Annexed .

Further, with the aim to promote tourism in tribal areas, the Ministry of  Tourism  has recently issued guidelines along with template for formulation of proposal by State Governments and UT Administrations for 'Development  of  Homestays  in  Tribal  Areas' ( A  sub -scheme  of  Swadesh Darshan Scheme ) under Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan ( PM -JUGA ).

The objective of the initiative is to develop homestays in tribal areas to  promote  responsible  tourism  and  enhance  livelihood  opportunities  for tribal  communities . The guidelines also focus on technical upskilling and training of the Homestay owners . The said initiative includes development of  1000  homestays  with  support  of  Up  to  ₹5  lakh  for  village  community requirement,  Up  to  ₹5  lakh  for  construction  of  two  new  rooms  for  each household and Up to ₹3 lakh for renovation of existing rooms for each household . So far no funds have been released under this scheme .

Ministry  of  Tourism  as  part  of  its  ongoing  endeavour  promotes various tourism destinations and products of India including tribal tourism, through  various  initiatives  including  promotional  events,  assistance  to State  Governments  for  organizing  fairs  and  festivals,  participation  in exhibitions, websites, social media etc .

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ANNEXURE

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO . 3458 ANSWERED ON 11 . 08 . 2025 REGARDING DEVELOPMENT OF TRIBAL TOURISM CIRCUIT RAISED BY ADV GOWAAL KAGADA PADAVI

The  list  of  the  projects  sanctioned  under  Swadesh  Darshan  scheme  in Tribal circuit is as under :-

|   S . No . | State / UT   | Circuit / Sanction Year   | Name of the Project                                                                                                                                                      | Amount Sanctioned ( in ₹ Crore )   |
|------------|--------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
|          1 | Chhattisgarh | Tribal Circuit 2015 - 16  | Development of Jashpur - Kunkuri - Mainpat - Kamleshpur - Maheshpur - Kurdar - Sarodhadadar - Gangrel - Kondagaon - Nathiyanawagaon - Jagdalpur - Chitrakoot - Tirthgarh | 96 . 10                            |
|          2 | Nagaland     | Tribal Circuit 2015 - 16  | Development of Tribal Circuit Peren - Kohima - Wokha                                                                                                                     | 97 . 36                            |
|          3 | Nagaland     | Tribal Circuit 2016 - 17  | Development of Mokokchung - Tuensang - Mon                                                                                                                               | 98 . 14                            |
|          4 | Telangana    | Tribal Circuit 2016 - 17  | Development of Mulugu - Laknavaram - Medavaram - Tadvai - Damaravi - Mallur - Bogatha Waterfalls                                                                         | 79 . 87                            |

Note: All the aforesaid projects are reported physically completed . *****