What is Swadesh Darshan Scheme?

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is an initiative taken by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to promote a newer and better approach towards tourism in the country. The scheme was first launched in the year 2014-2015 and was then revamped in the year 2022, named the Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The aim of the scheme is to promote eco-friendly, sustainable, and responsible tourism. Under the scheme, 15 thematic circuits are covered, and the funds are completely provided by the Central Government. During 2014-2015 to 2018-2019, an amount of ₹5287.90 Crore has been used for a number of 76 projects, and under the SDS 2.0, an amount of ₹791.25 Crore has been sanctioned for 34 projects till now.

Overview: Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Key Features of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The key features of the scheme launched to promote sustainable and responsible tourism in India are:

• Introduction of the Thematic Circuits:

Under the two phases of the scheme, a total of 15 thematic circuits are set in order to focus on the specific states and locations. 

• State-Centric Implementation:

The development projects under the scheme are implemented at the ground level with the aid of state governments, which ensures local participation in the initiative.

• Financial Assistance:

100% financial assistance is provided by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, including upgradation in infrastructure and capacity building.

• Promoting Eco-Tourism and Sustainability:

Another major key focus behind implementing the scheme is to promote the practices of tourism that are eco-friendly, responsible towards the environment, and promote sustainability.  

• Promoting Local Economy:

With the forced thematic circuits, tourism attracts in turn contributes to the revenue of the local people, like local artists, shops, stalls, communities, and businesses.

• Holistic Tourism Development:

The scheme ensures the integrated development of the states by improving roads, public facilities, accommodation, infrastructure, and signage.

Objectives of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The main objectives of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme are:

• Promoting Sustainable Tourism: The objective of the scheme is to promote eco-friendly, sustainable, and responsible tourism practices and reduce the environmental effects of tourism activities. 

• Improving Local Revenue: Under the scheme, the tourist spots’ infrastructure, attracts more tourists, which in turn helps to increase the revenue of the locals, such as artists, communities, shops, and businesses. 

• Promoting Indian Culture and Heritage: The 15 tourist circuits shed light on India’s rich culture, heritage, and history, which attracts both national and international tourists.

• Enhances Tourism Infrastructure: Under the scheme, a total of ₹6079.15 Crore has been invested toward the improvement of infrastructure and the development of new tourist spots under 110 projects. 

15 Thematic Circuits in the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Under the two-phase Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a total of 15 states have been identified by the Government of India to be promoted as a part of the new domestic tourism policy. The 15 theme-based circuits under the scheme are:

1. Buddhist Circuit
2. Coastal Circuit
3. Desert Circuit
4. Eco Circuit
5. Heritage Circuit
6. Himalayan Circuit
7. Krishna Circuit
8. North-East Circuit
9. Ramayana Circuit
10. Rural Circuit
11. Spiritual Circuit
12. Sufi Circuit
13. Tirthankar Circuit
14. Tribal Circuit
15. Wildlife Circuit.

Project Completed Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, implemented in 2014-2015, there are a number of projects that were undertaken towards completion. Some of the projects that are completed under the scheme are:

• Light and Sound Show, Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
• Light and Sound Show, Muchhkund, Rajasthan
• Log Hut, BV Palem, Andhra Pradesh
• Log Huts at Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Madhya Pradesh
• Tourist Facilitation Centre, Kohima, Nagaland
• Tourist Facilitation Centre, Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
• Tourist Information Centre, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh
• Tourist Information Centre, Medaram, Telangana
• Tourist Information Centre, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh
• Tourist Information Centre, Vadnagar, Gujarat
• Virtual Train Journey, Hussainawala, Punjab
• Sound and Light Show, Gorakhnath Temple, Uttar Pradesh

If you want to explore all the projects undertaken under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (2014-15 & 2022), you can do it by taking a look at the link given below:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2100363

The above-given link is the Press Release released by the Ministry of Tourism stating the achievements of the scheme, with a state-wise detailed list of the projects.

Sustainable and Responsible Tourism: Swadesh Darshan 2.0

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was revamped in the year 2022, with a holistic approach towards sustainability and responsible tourism across the country. With the focus mantras being “vocal for local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, the Government aims to provide a better and a whole lot better approach towards the tourism schemes and their focus on being sustainable and eco-friendly.

Planned Initiative Under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0

Under the Swadesh Darshan, implemented in the year 2022, the focus has shifted more to sustainability and more responsible tourism. Some of the planned initiatives under the revamped version of the scheme are:

• Gangtok Cultural Village
• Gangtok MG Road Experience
• Immersive Experience at Shore Temple, Mammalapuram
• Julley Leh Bidoiversity Park, Leh
• Meghalayan Age Cave Experience, Sohra
• Police Bazar, Wards Lake, Culture Zone, Shillong
• Polo Precint Area, Shillong
• Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate, Jorhat
• Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji, Pithoragarh
• Setting Up of Traveller Nooks at Hampi, Karnataka
• Sohra Waterfall Trails Experience
• Tea Tourism Experience at Kamalasagar, Agartala
• Tonga Ride Heritage Experience Zone, Mysuru
• Tripura Heritage Village Experience, Agartala
• Winter Sports Arena at Leh Lake, Leh
• Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone
• Border Tourism Experience at Attari, Amritsar
• Eco and Wellness Arena at Mount Abbott Champavat
• Ecological Experience Zone, Mysuru
• Eco Tourism Experience at Kanjili Wetland, Kapurthala

Drawbacks of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme

With various benefits and key features of the scheme, there are some drawbacks of the scheme that can be mentioned to provide a complete analysis of the scheme. The drawbacks of the scheme are:

• Delay in Project Implementation: Due to negligence, land acquisition, or contradictions between the central and the state governments, some projects get delayed, which leads to a slowdown in development. 

• Underutilization of Funds: Sometimes, a corrupt official or some other factors lead to the funds provided by hr central government not being used for the scheme, leading to incomplete and not up-to-standard projects.

• Lack of Maintenance: When the site is developed, the maintenance department is not up to mark, as the tourists suffer from poor maintenance and management.

Helpline Number

If you have any queries or wish to contact the authorities, you can contact them at the following details in the table:

If you wish to access the department-wise telephone directory of the Ministry of Tourism, you can visit the following website: https://tourism.gov.in/about-us/whos-who

FAQs

1. When was the Swadesh Darshan Scheme launched?

The scheme was launched in the year 2014-2015.

2. Money for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is funded by?

The scheme is 100% funded by the Central Government of India.

3. What is the official website for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme?

Official Website of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is: https://tourism.gov.in/schemes-guidelines-schemes/swadesh-darshan-scheme

4. What is the main objective of the scheme?

The objective of the scheme is to promote the integrated development of tourist spots across India.

5. When was Swadesh Darshan 2.0 launched?

The Swadesh Darshan 2.0 was launched in the year 2022.