Lok Sabha Question No. 3668 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-11
Subject: SC/ST and OBC Communities in Tourism Sector
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Adv. Chandra Shekhar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3668 ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025

## SC/ST AND OBC COMMUNITIES IN TOURISM SECTOR

## 3668.  ADV. CHANDRA SHEKHAR:

Will the Minister of Tourism be pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  of  the  funds  allocated  in  the  2025-26  Union  Budget  for tourism  initiatives  targeting  SC,  ST  and  OBC  communities  and  the manner in which these allocations are sufficient;
- (b) the  manner  in  which  the  Government  ensures  these  funds  are effectively  utilized  to  drive  sustainable  tourism  in  SC,  ST  and  OBCdominated regions and mechanisms in place to prevent misallocation or underutilization;
- (c) whether  the  Government  conducted  rigorous,  independent  impact assessments  of  schemes,  like  Dekho  Apna  Desh  and  Swadesh Darshan to evaluate their effects on the said communities and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (d) the  manner  in  which  these  schemes  measurably  improved  the economic status, income levels and livelihoods of the said communities, along with  the corrective actions planned to address the shortcomings;
- (e) the current, verifiable statistics on SC, ST and OBC participation in the  tourism  sector,  especially  in  MSMEs  and  the  manner  in  which these reflect equitable representation;
- (f) the specific, proactive steps taken/being taken by the Government to dismantle structural barriers and increase SC, ST and OBC representation in tourism-related enterprises;
- (g) the targeted interventions introduced by the Government to prioritize the  said  communities  for  tourism-related  livelihood,  particularly  in underdeveloped rural areas and the manner in which these tailored to address systemic barriers;
- (h) the number of SC, ST and OBC entrepreneurs actually benefited from these programs, along with the exact amount of financial assistance disbursed community-wise;
- (i) the details of the concrete, enforceable policies implemented by the Government to ensure the said communities actively included in the
- planning,  execution  and  benefits  of  Government-funded  tourism projects like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD; and
- (j) the details of the SC, ST and OBC beneficiaries under these schemes and  the  provisions  made  for  publicly  accessible  to  verify  claims  of their inclusion?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM           (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (j):  In the Union Budget 2025-26, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism has earmarked 4.3 % of the total scheme outlay i.e. ₹103 crores under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) component of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which includes ₹88 crores under the Tribal Area Sub Plan and ₹15 crores under  the  Pradhan  Mantri  Janjatiya  Unnat  Gram  Abhiyan  (PM-JUGA). This  dedicated  head  of  expenditure  ensures  focused  investment  in Scheduled  Tribes-dominated  regions,  facilitating  cultural  preservation economic upliftment, and inclusive tourism growth. Projects sanctioned under the Tribal  Circuit  theme  specifically  aim  to  enhance  visibility  of tribal  heritage  and  integrate  tribal  communities  into  the  tourism  value chain,  thereby  contributing  to  sustainable  and  regionally  balanced development.  However,  there  are  no  separate  budgetary  provisions made exclusively for Scheduled Castes (SCs) or Other Backward Classes (OBCs) by the Ministry of Tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism supports tourism infrastructure and amenity development  through  its  Central  Sector  Schemes-Swadesh  Darshan (including  SD  2.0  and  Challenge  Based  Destination  Development)  and PRASHAD. These schemes are implemented through State Governments/UT  Administrations,  subject  to  submission  of  Detailed Project  Reports  (DPRs),  availability  of  funds,  and  compliance  with scheme  guidelines.  The  Ministry  promotes  development  in  tribal  and backward  areas  by  encouraging  project  proposals  that  strengthen tourism-linked livelihoods.

Ministry  of  Tourism  implemented  targeted  interventions  like  the 'Development  of  Homestays  in  Tribal  Areas'  under  PM-JUGA,  aimed  at enhancing  livelihood  opportunities  for  tribal  communities.  Guidelines also include provisions for technical training and upskilling of homestay owners.

Under PM-JUGA, the Ministry would support development of 1,000 homestays  in  tribal  areas.  Support  includes  up  to  ₹5  lakhs  for  village community requirements, ₹5 lakhs for constructing two new rooms per household, and ₹3 lakhs for renovating existing rooms. These initiatives are  designed to address systemic challenges by providing sustainable, tourism.

As  of  now,  no  funds  have  been  released  under  the  PM-JUGA Homestay initiative.

Fee exemption is given to SC and ST Candidates under Incredible India Tourist Facilitator (IITF) certification programme  a digital initiative  conducted  by  the  Ministry  that  aims  at  creating  and  online learning platform with an objective of creating pool of well trained and professional Tourist Facilitators and Tourist Guides across the country. The system provides basic, advanced (heritage and adventure), spoken language and refresher courses for candidates.

No specific, independent impact assessment focused exclusively on SC, ST or OBC participation under Swadesh Darshan or Dekho Apna Desh has been conducted. However, a third-party impact assessment of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme was undertaken by the National Productivity Council  in  2019.  It  noted  that  the  scheme  contributed  to  livelihood generation and employment opportunities for local communities.

The  2019  assessment  by  the  National  Productivity  Council  also acknowledged the potential of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme to provide robust employment in the operation and maintenance phases.

While the Ministry does not earmark community-specific funds under tourism schemes, it promotes inclusive development through infrastructure enhancement and service delivery that indirectly benefits SC, ST, and OBC communities.

Currently,  there  is  no  formal  mechanism  for  community-wise  public verification  of  beneficiary  data  under  these  schemes.  However,  Ministry guidelines emphasize transparency and the implementing State Governments/UT Administrations are expected to ensure inclusive planning in tourism projects like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD.

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