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Economic development

Government of India Initiatives for Tribal Tourism Development

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote tribal tourism, complementing the efforts of state governments and union territories in developing tourist infrastructure and amenities across the country. The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) schemes, which provide financial assistance to states and union territories for developing tourist destinations, including tribal areas. Additionally, the Government of India has introduced the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) initiative, which provides financial assistance to states for developing tourism projects.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Ministry of Tourism has launched several schemes to promote tribal tourism, including Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and PRASHAD.
  • The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, launched in 2014-15, aimed to develop thematic circuits, including the Tribal Circuit, to showcase the rich tribal culture and traditions of various regions.
  • The Ministry has provided financial assistance to states for developing tourism infrastructure and amenities in tribal areas.
  • The Government of India has also launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA) initiative to promote responsible tourism and enhance livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.
  • The initiative includes developing 1000 homestays in tribal areas with financial support up to ₹8 lakh for village community requirements, ₹5 lakh for constructing two new rooms, and ₹3 lakh for renovating existing rooms.
  • The Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, has stated that no funds have been released under the homestay initiative so far.
  • The Ministry of Tourism promotes various tourism destinations, including tribal tourism, through promotional events, assistance to state governments for organizing fairs and festivals, and participation in exhibitions.

Statistics:

  • The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched in 2014-15.
  • The scheme aims to develop 100 thematic circuits across the country.
  • ₹5 lakh is provided for constructing two new rooms for each household under the homestay initiative.
  • ₹8 lakh is provided for village community requirements under the homestay initiative.
  • ₹3 lakh is provided for renovating existing rooms for each household under the homestay initiative.
  • No funds have been released under the homestay initiative so far.

Sources:

  • [Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi, "Development of different tourist destinations"]
  • [Source: Ministry of Tourism, "Swadesh Darshan Scheme"]
  • [Source: Ministry of Tourism, "Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA)"]
  • [Source: Lok Sabha, "Written reply by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat"]

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