Swadesh Darshan Scheme – The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has initiated the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a central program aimed at integrated development of theme-based tourism circuits. This initiative seeks to promote, enhance, and maximize the potential of India’s tourism industry. This article will delve into the objectives, benefits, and other significant details of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
About Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Launched in 2014-15, Swadesh Darshan is a central sector scheme introduced by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. It focuses on developing theme-based tourist circuits across India, applying integrated principles of high tourist value, competitiveness, and sustainability. Currently, 15 thematic circuits have been designated for development, providing Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for infrastructure development.
Key Highlights of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
| Scheme Name | Swadesh Darshan Scheme |
| Initiated by | Government of India |
| Objective | Promote Indian Tourism |
| Status | Active |
| Launch Year | 2014-15 |
Swadesh Darshan Scheme – a boost to cultural & heritage tourism in 500 destinations across 31 states in India! #8YearsOfPreservingCulture pic.twitter.com/j1T5TpBzAg — MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) June 2, 2024
Objectives of Swadesh Darshan Scheme
This scheme is designed to position tourism as a vital contributor to job creation and economic growth, working alongside other initiatives like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, and Make in India.
Defining a Tourist Circuit
A tourist circuit comprises at least three notable attractions located within reasonable proximity, each having a clearly marked entry and exit point. Visitors are encouraged to explore multiple sites within the circuit.
Themed circuits include those related to culture, religion, and heritage, demonstrating India’s vast attractions across states and Union territories.
Goals of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims to:
- Plan and prioritize appealing tourist circuits for development.
- Ensure integrated development of identified theme-based circuits.
- Encourage local employment by involving communities.
- Promote a community-based development strategy for pro-poor tourism initiatives.
- Showcase and enhance India’s cultural and heritage tourism.
- Build world-class infrastructure to boost sustainable tourism appeal.
- Raise awareness of tourism’s benefits to local communities for income and regional development.
- Highlight regional traditions, crafts, and cuisine to create jobs.
- Maximize tourism’s role in job creation and economic growth.
- Utilize local resources and knowledge effectively.
Aims of the Swadesh Darshan Program
- Utilize tourism as a vehicle for economic growth and job creation.
- Transform India into a premier travel destination.
- Create theme-driven paths blending ecological and cultural preservation with ecotourism.
- Enhance professionalism and modernity in tourism through comprehensive infrastructure development.
- Deliver all-encompassing tourism through sustainable means.
Swadesh Darshan – 15 Theme-Based Circuits
Buddha Circuit: Covers key Buddhist pilgrimage sites situated in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
Coastal Circuit: Showcases India’s extensive coastal line, bolstering its reputation as a destination for sun, sand, and sea. It includes Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, along with the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Desert Circuit: A unique circuit highlighting major deserts in India, including the Thar Desert and Kutch.
Eco Circuit: Enhances the visitor experience with an emphasis on eco-friendly tourism in states like Kerala, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh.
Heritage Circuit: Focuses on preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage across Rajasthan, Assam, and other states.
North East Circuit: Aims to develop tourism in northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
Himalayan Circuit: Encompasses the entire Indian Himalayan Region, including Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand.
Sufi Circuit: Celebrates India’s Sufi traditions fostering unity and harmony.
Krishna Circuit: Highlights locations associated with Lord Krishna across states like Haryana and Rajasthan.
Ramayana Circuit: Focuses on enhancing the tourism experience at sites linked to Lord Rama’s legends in Uttar Pradesh.
Rural Circuit: Revives rural economies while showcasing India’s traditional lifestyle through various initiatives in states like Bihar.
Spiritual Circuit: Caters to spiritual tourism that attracts millions for pilgrimage across India’s diverse religious sites.
Tirthankar Circuit: Aims to develop Jain heritage sites showcasing cultural and spiritual significance for visitors.
India is also noted for wildlife tourism, with numerous national and state wildlife sanctuaries instrumental in sustainable development. Major states like Assam and Madhya Pradesh are notable for their wildlife tourism initiatives.
Indian tribes continue to uphold their rich traditions, and the Tribal Circuits introduce modern travelers to their vibrant cultures and festivals across regions like Telangana and Chhattisgarh.
Contact Information
Shri Rakesh Kumar Verma (Additional Secretary)
Room No.119, Transport Bhawan, 1, Parliament Street,
New Delhi – 110 001