Lok Sabha Question No. 3867 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Development and Promotion of Tourist Sites
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Dr. Lata Wankhede

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.+3867 ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF TOURIST SITES

## +3867. DR. LATA WANKHEDE:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  for  the  development  and promotion  of  tourist  sites  under  Swadesh  Darshan  Yojana  and PRASAD  Yojana  and  the  positive  changes  noticed  in  tourist industry as a result thereof;
- (b) the  initiatives  taken  by  the  Government  for  the  promotion  of religious  and  cultural  tourism  along  with  the  impact  of  these efforts on the local economy and employment creation; and
- (c) the reforms made by the Government to attract foreign tourists and  to  ease  visa  norms  and  the  manner  in  which  these  have promoted the tourism in the country?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF TOURISM      (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (b): Development  and  promotion  of  tourist  destinations  and products, is  undertaken  by  the  respective  State  Government/UT Administration.  The  Ministry  of  Tourism  complements  the  efforts  of States/UTs by developing and promoting various tourism products of the country, including religious  and  cultural  tourism  through  various schemes and initiatives.

The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of 'Swadesh Darshan  (SD)'  and  'Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual,  Heritage Augmentation  Drive  (PRASHAD)'  complements  the  efforts  of  tourism infrastructure  development  in  the  country  by  extending  financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations.

The Ministry of Tourism had undertaken a third party impact assessment of Swadesh Darshan (Integrated Development of ThemeBased Tourist Circuits) through National Productivity Council in 2019. The study states that 'Swadesh Darshan Scheme' has been able t o give a fillip to livelihood opportunities and create employment for the local communities in construction phase. The  Ministry  of  Tourism  after  a  comprehensive  review  has  now revamped this scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. The Swadesh and PRASHAD Schemes aim to boost local economies and create jobs by developing infrastructure, marketing destinations, and supporting community-based tourism. Ministry  of  Tourism  has  also  been  providing  financial  assistance  to State  Governments/  UT  Administrations  for  organizing  fairs/festivals and tourism related events under its Domestic Promotion & Publicity including Hospitality (DPPH) Scheme. (c): Ministry launched the 'Chalo India' campaign during its participation  in  World  Tourism  Market  held  in  London  in  November 2025 to  encourage  the  Indian  diaspora  to  become  Incredible  India ambassadors and encourage their non-Indian friends to visit India. As an incentive under this initiative gratis e-tourist visa for foreign visitors traveling to India is granted, the program is valid till 31 March 2025. Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  has  relaxed  the  Protected  Area  Permit (PAP)/Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for a further period of 5 Years i.e. till 31.12.2027 for the identified Islands in the Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Ministry of Home Affairs has issued relaxation of PAP/RAP for a further period of 5 years beyond 31.12.2022 in the states of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland.

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