As a measure to boost tourism, the Indian government recently announced its plan to promote 15 states as part of the first phase of its ‘Swadesh Darshan 2’ initiative, beginning from January 2023. This new domestic tourism policy would focus on destination tourism instead of theme-based tourist circuits. The identified regions include Jhansi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gwalior, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, and Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra.
Overview of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched during the fiscal year 2014-15. It aimed to contribute to the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits such as Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, Heritage Circuit, and many others. This scheme is completely funded by the central government with efforts made to achieve convergence with other central and state government schemes. They also leverage voluntary funding available for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives from Central Public Sector Undertakings and the Corporate Sector.
Aims of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The primary goal of this scheme is to establish tourism as a significant factor in economic growth and job creation. Its objectives also include promoting the country’s cultural and heritage value to generate livelihoods in selected regions and developing world-class infrastructure in the circuit/destinations. The scheme also creates awareness among local communities about the importance of tourism for income sources, living standard improvement, and overall area development.
Understanding Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2.0
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims to attain the goal of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by realising India’s potential as a top tourism destination. It centers on creating sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with a tourist and destination focused approach. It sets standards for generic and theme-specific development of tourist destinations, which the states would adhere to while planning and developing projects. Major themes identified under this scheme include Culture and Heritage, Adventure Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Wellness Tourism, and more.
Implications of the Revamped Scheme
This revamped scheme seeks to enhance the contribution of tourism to local economies. It aims at job creation, skill enhancement of local youth in tourism and hospitality, increasing private sector investment in tourism, and preserving and enhancing local cultural and natural resources.
Other Promotional Initiatives for Tourism
Besides Swadesh Darshan, other initiatives such as the PRASHAD Scheme, Iconic Tourist Sites, Buddhist Conclave, and ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ Initiative have been launched to boost tourism. The PRASHAD Scheme focuses on enriching the religious tourism experience by developing pilgrimage sites. Iconic Tourist Sites initiative aims to develop sites like Bodhgaya, Ajanta & Ellora as global attractions.
The Current Scenario of the Tourism Sector in India
According to the third Tourism Satellite Account for 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20, the contribution of tourism to the country’s employment stands at 14.78%, 14.87%, and 15.34% respectively. The total jobs generated by tourism were 72.69 million (2017-18), 75.85 million (2018-19), and 79.86 million (2019-20). India’s tourism contribution to World GDP ranks 10th according to the World Travel and Tourism Council’s 2019 report. In 2019, the contribution of travel & tourism to India’s GDP was 6.8% of the total economy, ~ Rs. 13,68,100 crore (USD 194.30 billion).
