**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Ministry of Tourism's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4066 regarding the development of tourism in Dharashiv, Maharashtra, specifically concerning the Dharashiv Caves, Naldurg Fort, and the Tulja Bhavani Temple.
The Ministry clarifies that the development and promotion of tourist destinations are primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory Administration. The Ministry of Tourism complements these efforts through various schemes and initiatives.
Specifically, the Tuljapur Temple in Dharashiv District has been identified for development under the PRASHAD Scheme. The Ministry states that receiving proposals from State Governments/UT Administrations for financial assistance for tourism projects is an ongoing process. These proposals are evaluated based on prescribed guidelines, and financial assistance is provided subject to fulfilling stipulated conditions and fund availability.
Currently, the Ministry of Tourism is *not* considering any proposals for the development of tourism infrastructure around the Dharashiv Caves and Naldurg Fort in Dharashiv.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian government ministry responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in India.
SHRI OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR: Member of Parliament who raised the question about tourism development in Dharashiv.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Tourism who provided the answer to the question.
Dharashiv Caves: A historical site located in Dharashiv Osmanabad district of Maharashtra, mentioned as a potential tourist attraction.
Naldurg Fort: A historical fort located in Dharashiv Osmanabad district of Maharashtra, mentioned as a potential tourist attraction.
Tulja Bhavani Temple Shaktipeeth: A religious site located in Dharashiv Osmanabad district of Maharashtra, mentioned as a potential tourist attraction.
Dharashiv Osmanabad district of Maharashtra: The district and state in India where the mentioned tourist sites are located.
PRASHAD Scheme: A scheme under which the Tuljapur Temple, Dharashiv District is considered for development.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.+4066
ANSWERED ON 18.08.2025
DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM IN DHARASHIV
+4066. SHRI OMPRAKASH BHUPALSINH ALIAS PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government proposes to develop key historical and
religious places such as Dharashiv Caves, Naldurg Fort and the holy
Tulja Bhavani Temple (Shaktipeeth) in Dharashiv (Osmanabad) district
of Maharashtra as major tourist attractions;
(b) if so, the details of the proposed projects including the budgetary
allocation, timeline fixed in this regard and the schemes under which
the said places are likely to be developed; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (c): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products is
undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT)
Administration. The Ministry complements the efforts of States/UTs by
developing and promoting various tourism products of the country through
various schemes and initiatives, including the State of Maharashtra.
The Ministry of Tourism has identified the site Tuljapur Temple, Dharashiv
District for development under the PRASHAD Scheme. Receiving proposals
from the State Governments/UT Administrations for financial assistance for
tourism projects is a continuous process. The proposals received are
examined with reference to the prescribed guidelines and financial
assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfilment of the
stipulated conditions and availability of funds.
Further, no proposal is under the consideration of the Ministry of Tourism for
development of tourism infrastructure around Dharashiv Caves and Naldurg
Fort in Dharashiv (Osmanabad) district of Maharashtra.
******