**Summary of Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) Performance and Evolution**
This document summarizes the performance of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) from its launch in 2014-2015 through 2025, as addressed in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1247 on July 28, 2025. The SDS was initiated with the objective of integrated development of theme-based tourism circuits across India.
During the initial phase (2014-2019), 76 projects were sanctioned across 31 States and Union Territories, with a total allocation of ₹5290.33 Crore. Project approvals were based on proposals submitted by State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Agencies, adherence to scheme guidelines, budget availability, and inter-se priority, subject to due approvals. Deviations in project costs were considered on a case-by-case basis following a prescribed procedure. A feasibility study of the scheme was undertaken through the National Productivity Council in 2019. Project completion timelines varied due to factors such as COVID-19, seasonality, and local issues.
The Ministry of Tourism subsequently revamped the scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), focusing on developing sustainable tourism destinations. Under SD2.0, 52 projects have been sanctioned for ₹2108.87 Crore. Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism, under the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan, has sanctioned 36 projects for ₹648.10 Crore.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and policies relating to the development and promotion of tourism in India.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS): A scheme launched by the Government of India for integrated development of theme-based tourism circuits.
SHRI V K SREEKANDAN: Member of Parliament who raised a question about the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Lok Sabha.
SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT: The Minister of Tourism who answered the question regarding the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0): A revamped version of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme with the objective to develop sustainable tourism destinations in the country.
National Productivity Council: An organization that conducted a feasibility study of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2019.
Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD): A sub-scheme of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme aimed at destination development.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1247
ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
LAPSES IN SDS SCHEME
1247. SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) launched by
the Government has very serious lapses in its formulation and
execution during the period of 2014-2025;
(b) whether it is true that only 76 projects were sanctioned under
identified thematic circuits in 31 States and Union Territories with
the aim of developing theme based tourist routes during the period
from 2014-2015 to 2018-2019;
(c) whether it is also true that the Government had not carried out
feasibility studies before launching the said scheme;
(d) whether the Government has exceeded the sanctioned amount due
to poor planning and approvals given without Detailed Project
Reports and no formal mechanism for evaluation and approval; and
(e) whether it is also a fact that the Government could not complete the
projects within the stipulated timeframe?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (e): The Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) was launched in 2014–15
post budget announcement with the objective of integrated development
of theme-based tourism circuits. Under this scheme, a total of 76 projects
have been sanctioned across the country for a total amount of ₹5290.33
Crore in various States/UTs. Project under the scheme were sanctioned
based on the project proposal submitted by the concerned State
Government/UT Administration/ Central Agency and its adherence to the
scheme guidelines, availability of budget, inter-se priority supported by
due approvals. As and when any request for deviation in the project cost is
received from the side of State Government with due reasons, the same is
considered as per the prescribed procedure.The Ministry of Tourism further revamped the scheme as Swadesh
Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable tourism
destinations in the country and has sanctioned 52 projects under SD2.0 for
Rs. 2108.87 Crore. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism under the Challenge
Based Destination Development (CBDD) - a sub-scheme of Swadesh
Darshan scheme has also sanctioned 36 projects for Rs.648.10 Crore.
A feasibility study of the scheme was undertaken through National
Productivity Council in 2019. Under the implementation phase of Swadesh
Darshan scheme, project completion timelines varied on case to case
basis depending on various factors such as Covid 19, seasonality, local
issues etc.
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