Sunday, August 18, 2019
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India under the Ministry of Tourism. Launched in 2014, the scheme aims to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country to promote tourism and foster economic growth in the regions by showcasing their rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. The scheme is designed to create world-class tourism infrastructure and provide unique experiences to tourists.
Key Objectives and Features of Swadesh Darshan Scheme:
1. Theme-Based Tourist Circuits: Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, various thematic circuits are identified and developed. These themes may include religious, cultural, heritage, coastal, wildlife, rural, and adventure tourism circuits, among others.
2. Development of Infrastructure: The scheme focuses on the development of tourism-related infrastructure such as roads, bridges, accommodation facilities, interpretation centers, and amenities for tourists. This infrastructure development enhances the overall tourist experience.
3. Promotion of Local Arts and Crafts: Swadesh Darshan promotes the local arts, crafts, cuisine, and cultural heritage of the regions included in the circuits. This helps in preserving local traditions and generating employment opportunities for local artisans and craftsmen.
4. Capacity Building: The scheme includes training programs for local communities and stakeholders involved in the tourism sector. Capacity building ensures that the local population is well-equipped to handle tourism-related activities and provide excellent services to tourists.
5. Eco-Friendly Practices: Swadesh Darshan emphasizes sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. It encourages the use of renewable energy, waste management, and conservation of natural resources to minimize the environmental impact of tourism.
6. Promotion of Lesser-Known Destinations: The scheme focuses on promoting lesser-known destinations and regions that have the potential to attract tourists. This dispersal of tourism benefits helps in reducing the pressure on overcrowded tourist destinations.
7. Public Awareness and Marketing: Swadesh Darshan includes public awareness campaigns to inform local communities and tourists about the unique features and attractions of the developed circuits. Marketing efforts are made to attract domestic and international tourists to these destinations.
8. Collaboration with States: The implementation of Swadesh Darshan involves collaboration between the central government and state governments. States actively participate in the planning and execution of the projects under the scheme.
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme has played a significant role in promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and boosting the economy of various regions in India. By focusing on thematic circuits, the scheme offers diverse experiences to tourists and supports the overall growth of the tourism sector in the country.