FM Sitharaman doubles allocation for Swadesh Darshan scheme

Budget 2024

The government has more than double the allocation for Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits, better known as Swadesh Darshan, to Rs 1,750 crore for the financial year 2024-25.

States would be encouraged to take up comprehensive development of iconic tourist centres, branding and marketing them at global scale, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said while presenting the interim budget on February 1.

“The success of organising G20 meetings in 60 places presented diversity of India to global audience. Our economic strength has made the country an attractive destination for business and conference tourism,” she said.

“Our middle class also now aspires to travel and explore. Tourism, including spiritual tourism, has tremendous opportunities for local entrepreneurship.”

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A framework for rating of tourists centres on quality of facilities and services would be put in place, she said, adding long-term interest free loans would be provided to states for financing such development on matching basis.

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“To address the emerging fervour for domestic tourism, projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities will be taken up on our islands, including Lakshadweep. This will help in generating employment also,” she said.

Launched in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan scheme is meant to provide financial assistance to state governments and union territories (UTs) for the development of tourism infrastructure.

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Between 2014-15 and 2018-19, 76 projects were sanctioned under identified thematic circuits in 31 states and UTs for Rs 5292.57 crore.

The ministry has revamped the Swadesh Darshan as SD2.0 to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a tourist and destination centric approach.