The Tourism Ministry has launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme for Integrated Development of theme-based Tourist Circuits for development of tourism infrastructure including last-mile connectivity in the country. Recognizing the potential of rural tourism in India, the Ministry has identified Rural Circuit as one of 15 thematic circuits identified for development under this scheme.

The objectives of the Swadesh Darshan scheme include creating employment through the active involvement of local communities & promoting community-based development & pro-poor tourism approach.

Based on the above criteria, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned following two projects total amounting to Rs.125.02 Crores for development of Rural Circuits under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme which are under different stages of implementation: -

  1. In the State of Bihar, during FY 2017-18, the project “Development of Bhitiharwa - Chandrahia - Turkaulia” amounting to Rs.44.65 Crores.
  2. In the State of Kerala, during FY 2018-19, the project “Development of Malanad Malabar Cruise Tourism” amounting to Rs. 80.37 Crores.

The Ministry has also instituted a National Tourism Award in the category of ‘Best Rural/Agri/Plantation Tourism Projects’ to motivate the stakeholders in the tourism sector for implementing such projects.

Ministry of Rural Development has informed that their Shyama Prasad MukherjiRurban Mission (SPMRM) follows the vision of “Development of a cluster of villages that preserve & nurture the essence of rural community life with focus on equity & inclusiveness without compromising with the facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature, thus creating a cluster of “Rurban Villages”.

Under the Mission, 300 clusters are being developed across 28 States & 8 Union Territories. Tourism is one of the themes of Rurban cluster development. Tourism-related activities/ projects are among the 21 component categories under SPMRM.

Ministry of Rural Development has further informed that a total of 67 Rurban clusters have proposed tourism-related activities in gram panchayats across 26 States/ UTs.

This information was given by the Minister of State (I/c) of Culture & Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. 

Source Link

Picture Source : https://i2.wp.com/neoiascap.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/unnamed-1-2.jpg?w=512&ssl=1