Swadesh Darshan scheme

Swadesh Darshan scheme: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently criticised the Union Tourism Ministry for poor implementation of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

• About Swadesh Darshan Scheme: It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism.

o Objective: Develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in India.

o Funding: 100% centrally funded scheme.

o Financial Assistance: Provided to State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Agencies for tourism infrastructure development.

o Operation & Maintenance (O&M): Responsibility of the respective State Government/UT Administration.

• Swadesh Darshan 2.0: Introduced to promote sustainable and responsible tourism with a focus on Tourism and allied infrastructure Human capital development → Destination management and promotion → Policy and institutional reforms.

o Objective: Increase private sector investment and promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in tourism, including the operation and maintenance of created assets.