Govt. to launch Swadesh Darshan 2 with chosen destinations from 15 States

Source: The post is based on the article “Govt. to launch Swadesh Darshan 2 with chosen destinations from 15 States” published in The Hindu on 20th October 2022.

What is the News?

Government will launch the Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0 with chosen destinations from 15 States.

What is the Swadesh Darshan Scheme? 

Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a Central Sector scheme launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.

Aim: To promote, develop and harness the potential of tourism in India.

Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance – CFA to State Governments, and Union Territory Administrations for the infrastructure development of circuits.

The scheme was envisioned to synergise with other government schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India and Make in India with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation.

Some of the prominent circuits launched under this were the Buddhist tourist circle, Ambedkar Tourist Circle and the North-East Tourist Circle.

What is Swadesh Darshan 2.0?

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is the revamped version of the scheme.

The scheme has been revamped with the mantra of “vocal for local”. It moves away from theme-based tourist circuits and focuses on reviving destination tourism.

It aims to develop sustainable and responsible destinations with a tourist and destination-centric approach.

Under the scheme, two to three destinations each have been selected from 15 states. Some of the prominent places identified are Jhansi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gwalior, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra.

Tourism Sector in India

According to the third Tourism Satellite Account for 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20, the contribution of tourism to the employment of the country is 14.78%, 14.87% and 15.34 % respectively. 

The total jobs generated by tourism are 72.69 million (2017-18), 75.85 million (2018-19) and 79.86 million (2019-20).