Five Northeastern States Included In Tourism Ministry’s Swadesh Darshan Initiative

GUWAHATI: Five states from Northeast India—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura—have been included in the Tourism Ministry's Swadesh Darshan initiative. The Tourism Ministry has recently unveiled the advancement of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a key initiative focused on the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits throughout India.

Launched in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan scheme has now transformed into Swadesh Darshan 2.0, with an emphasis on developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. A total of 76 projects were approved under the Swadesh Darshan scheme with an investment of Rs. 5,287.90 crore, of which 75 projects have been physically completed.

The revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 has approved 34 new projects with a funding of Rs. 793.20 crore. The ministry has also launched a sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 called 'Challenge-Based Destination Development'.

The new initiative invites proposals for developing tourist sites across four thematic areas: Spiritual Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Vibrant Village Programme, Ecotourism, and Amrit Dharohar Sites. According to Tourism Ministry officials, 42 destinations have already been designated for enhancement under various tourism themes.

Additionally, the PRASHAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) is another initiative that complements the Swadesh Darshan scheme. With an allocation of Rs. 1,646.99 crore, the scheme aims to enhance infrastructure at key pilgrimage sites. Out of the 48 projects under the scheme, 23 have been completed.

Following the 2024-25 Budget announcements, the Tourism Ministry has approved 40 projects across 23 states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura. These projects allocate Rs. 3,295.76 crore through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

The funding mechanism offers states long-term, interest-free loans to support the comprehensive development and global promotion of iconic tourist destinations. In 2023, India witnessed a significant influx of 18.89 million international tourist arrivals, generating a substantial Rs. 2,31,927 crore in Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs).

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