Lok Sabha Question No. 1369 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-05-02
Subject: Development of Remote Villages as Tourist Spots
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: DEVJI MANSINGRAM PATEL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.†1369

## LOK SABHA ANSWERED ON 02.05.2016

## DEVELOPMENT OF REMOTE VILLAGES AS TOURIST SPOTS

†1369. SHRI DEVJI M. PATEL:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to develop remote villages and small and medium cities as tourist places;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government proposes to develop ancient sites of Abu Road in Rajasthan as tourist places and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  remains  of  thousands  of  years  old  civilization  have been found in Abu Road during excavation work and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) whether tourists are unable to explore the site due to absence of information about historic importance of Chandravati and if so, the steps taken by the Government for publicizing the said site; and
- (f) the details of the steps taken by the Union/State Governments for promotion of tourism in other countries through embassies/missions?

## ANSWER

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

(a) to (e): The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance  to  State  Governments/Union  Territory  Administrations for various tourism projects subject to availability of funds, liquidation  of  pending  utilization  certificates  against  the  funds released earlier, submission of suitable detailed project report and adherence to the relevant scheme guidelines.

For development of tourism infrastructure in the country, the Ministry  of  Tourism has  launched  the Swadesh  Darshan  scheme  Integrated Development of Theme-Based Tourist Circuits in 2014-15. Under  the scheme  thirteen  thematic  circuits  have been  identified for  development namely: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan  Circuit,  Coastal  Circuit,  Krishna  Circuit,  Desert  Circuit, Tribal  Circuit,  Eco  Circuit,  Wildlife  Circuit,  Rural  Circuit,  Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit & Heritage Circuit.

Chandravati  is  a  State  protected  archaeological  site  in  the State of Rajasthan. The Ministry under the scheme  Product Infrastructure  for  Development  of  Destinations  and  Circuits  has sanctioned Rs.99.36 Lakh for restoration and development works at Chandravati  under  the project  ''Integrated  Development of  Gorwar as a  Tourist Circuit in Rajasthan'' in 2013-14.

(f): The Ministry in collaboration with the Indian Missions/Embassies promotes India as a holistic destination in the international markets. The Ministry as part of promotional activities releases print/electronic/online and outdoor media campaigns in the international markets, produces publicity material under the Incredible India brand-line to promote various tourism products and destinations  of  India,  participates  in  travel  fairs  and  exhibitions, organises Road  Shows/Know India Seminars and Workshops, organises/supports Indian Food Festivals, carries out joint advertising,  provides  brochure  support  to  the  Tour  Operators  and invites  media  personalities,  tour  operators  and  opinion  makers  to visit India under the hospitality programme .

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