Expanding Tourism Infrastructure Through Swadesh Darshan

Milestone in Tourism Project Completion

Expanding Tourism Infrastructure Through Swadesh Darshan: The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has completed 75 tourism infrastructure projects across India, marking a major milestone in destination-based development. These projects focus on improving tourism facilities while preserving cultural, natural, and spiritual heritage. The achievement reflects steady progress in strengthening domestic tourism circuits.

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, with the aim of creating world-class tourist infrastructure. Completion of these projects supports regional balance and promotes lesser-known destinations.

Genesis and Core Objective

Launched in 2015, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a flagship programme for theme-based tourism development. It focuses on integrated development of tourist circuits rather than isolated destinations. Circuits include Buddhist, Heritage, Eco, Coastal, and Himalayan themes.

Static GK fact: Tourism is listed as a State subject in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution, but centrally sponsored schemes help bridge infrastructure gaps.

Transition to Swadesh Darshan 2.0

The government introduced Swadesh Darshan 2.0 as a revamped version with a destination-centric and tourist-centric approach. The emphasis has shifted from infrastructure-heavy projects to sustainable, responsible, and experiential tourism. Local communities are placed at the centre of tourism planning.

The new version aligns with environmental conservation and long-term economic viability. It also focuses on branding destinations for global competitiveness.

Sub Schemes Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0

Challenge Based Destination Development

The Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) initiative has sanctioned 36 projects under thematic categories such as Spiritual Tourism, Culture & Heritage, Ecotourism, Vibrant Villages, and Amrit Dharohar Sites. Destinations are selected through a competitive process to ensure quality outcomes.

Five destinations have been identified under the Vibrant Village category, including Kibitho in Arunachal Pradesh, Rakchham–Chhitkul in Himachal Pradesh, Grathang in Sikkim, and Jadung and Mana in Uttarakhand.

Static GK Tip: Mana village in Uttarakhand is located near the India–China border and is traditionally known as the “last Indian village.”

Tribal Homestay Guidelines

Guidelines have been issued to develop 1,000 Tribal Homestays under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA). This promotes cultural tourism while generating income for tribal communities. Homestays also encourage authentic tourist experiences.

Special Assistance to States

Under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment, states receive 50-year interest-free loans for developing iconic tourist centres. This aims to scale destinations to global standards without immediate fiscal pressure on states.

Complementary Tourism Initiatives

The PRASHAD Scheme focuses on improving infrastructure at major pilgrimage and heritage cities. It complements Swadesh Darshan by addressing religious tourism.

India’s Medical Value Travel sector is projected to reach $13.42 billion by 2026, strengthening health tourism. The MICE Tourism roadmap seeks to position India as a global conference destination.

Skill development programmes in hospitality and MUDRA loans for homestays support employment-led growth.

Static GK fact: Tourism contributes around 6–7% of India’s GDP when direct and indirect employment is considered.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Expanding Tourism Infrastructure Through Swadesh Darshan: