Lok Sabha Question No. 1204 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-02
Subject: Development of Buddhist Places
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: VINOD KUMAR SONKAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†1204

## LOK SABHA ANSWERED ON 02.05.2016

## DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST PLACES

## †1204. SHRI VINOD KUMAR SONKAR:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the Government  has  formulated any scheme  to develop the undeveloped Buddhist places of tourist interest in various  parts  of  the  country  and  if  so,  the  details  of  the Buddhist places in various States including Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  policy  for  the propagation of culture, heritage and places of tourist interests at international level and if so, the extent of success achieved;
- (c) the State-wise allocation made for the protection and beautification of places  of cultural and tourist interests particularly Buddhist tourist centres and the amount spend by the States thereon during the last two years and the current year; and
- (d) the details of the fresh measures being taken by the Government to attract tourists to the country?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  has  launched  the Swadesh  Darshan scheme in the year 2014-15 with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness  and  sustainability  in  an  integrated  manner  by synergizing efforts to focus on needs and concerns of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities.  Buddhist  Circuit  has  been  identified  as  one  of  the thirteen  thematic  circuits  for  development  under  the  scheme.  All

Buddhist sites in the country including in the State of Uttar Pradesh are covered under the Buddhist Circuit.

(b) to (d): The  development  &  promotion of  destination/circuits  is primarily  undertaken  by  the  State  Governments/Union  Territory Administrations themselves. The Ministry of Tourism, as part of its on-going  activities,  annually  releases  print,  electronic,  online  and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote various tourism  destinations  and  products  of  the  country,  including  the lesser known  destinations which have tourism potential. In addition, a series of  promotional  activities  are  undertaken  in important and potential tourist generating markets overseas through  the  Indiatourism  Offices  abroad  with  the  objective  of showcasing India's tourism potential.  These promotional activities include participation in travel fairs and exhibitions; organizing road shows, Know India seminars & workshops; organizing and supporting Indian food and cultural festivals; publication of brochures;  offering  joint  advertising  and  brochure  support  and inviting  media personalities, tour operators and opinion makers to visit the country under the Hospitality Programmes of the Ministry.

There  is  no  State  wise  allocation  of  funds  for  States/Union Territory  Administrations  under  the  above  scheme.  The  funds  are sanctioned  to  State  Governments/Union  Territory  Administrations for  various  tourism  projects  in  consultation  with  them  subject  to availability  of  funds,  liquidation  of  pending  utilization  certificates, submission of suitable Detailed Project Report and adherence to the scheme guidelines.

Under  Buddhist  Circuit  theme,  Ministry  has  sanctioned  the project  'Construction  of  Cultural  Centre  at  Bodhgaya,  Bihar'  for Rs.33.17 crore in 2014-15.

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