Swadesh Darshan Scheme

MINISTRY – The Tourism Ministry

AIM –  to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.

What is a Tourist Circuit?

• A Tourist Circuit is defined as a route on which atleast three major tourist destinations are located such that none of these are in the same town, village or city. At the same time, it would be ensured that they are not separated by a long distance. It should have well defined entry and exit points. A tourist who enters should get motivated to visit all the places identified in the circuit.
• Theme based tourist circuit is a tourist circuit around specific themes, such as religion, culture, ethnicity, niche, etc. It can be confined to a state or could be a regional circuit covering more than a State/Union territory.

Objectives of Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

• Integrated development of Infrastructure in identified theme based circuits.
• Provide complete tourism experience with varied thematic circuits.
• Follow community-based development and pro-poor tourism approach.
• Creating awareness among the local communities about the importance of tourism for them in terms of increase in sources of income, improved living standards and overall development of the area.
• Promote local arts, culture, handicrafts, cuisine, etc to generate livelihoods in the identified regions.
• Harness tourism potential for its direct and multiplier effects in employment generation and economic development.

Features of Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

• The scheme is 100% centrally funded for the project components undertaken for public funding.
• To leverage the voluntary funding available for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector.
• Funding of individual project will vary from state to state and will be finalised on the basis of detailed project reports prepared by PMC (Programme Management Consultant).
• A National Steering Committee (NSC) will be constituted with Minister in charge of M/O Tourism as Chairman, to steer the mission objectives and vision of the scheme.
• A Mission Directorate headed by the Member Secretary, NSC as a nodal officer will help in identification of projects in consultation with the States/ UTs governments and other stake holders.
• PMC will be a national level consultant to be appointed by the Mission Directorate.
• Under Swadesh Darshan twelve thematic circuits have been identified, including four religious/spiritual thematic circuits i.e. Buddhist Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Spiritual Circuit and Ramayana Circuit.

FOR MORE DETAILS CLICK ON THE LINK Swadesh Darshan Brochure