Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Tourism addressed a question in Lok Sabha regarding a special tourism promotion package for Amritsar. The Ministry supports tourism development through various central sector schemes, complementing State/UT efforts with financial assistance, subject to fund availability and adherence to guidelines. Projects in Amritsar and Punjab have been sanctioned under schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and SASCI. The revamped Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) promotes tourism, including in Punjab, through digital platforms.
Key Points / Main Content:
Financial Assistance and Schemes:
* Tourism development is primarily undertaken by State Governments/UT Administrations.
* The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance through schemes like Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
* Financial assistance is subject to fund availability, adherence to scheme guidelines, and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
* The Government of India, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), also provides financial assistance for tourism projects.
Projects Sanctioned in Amritsar:
* Development of Karuna Sagar Valmiki Sthal (sanctioned in 2015-16).
* Border Tourism Experience at Attari (sanctioned in 2023-24).
Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN:
* Routes connecting Amritsar to Kolkata, Jaipur, and Patna were operationalized under Tourism RCS (TRCS) to promote tourism.
* These routes were funded with 100% Viability Gap Funding (VGF) reimbursement by the Ministry of Tourism.
* The total VGF disbursed on these routes is Rs. 47.09 crores.
Classification of Hotels and Accommodation:
* The Ministry of Tourism classifies hotels and resorts under a star rating system (One Star to Five Star Deluxe, Heritage, and Legacy categories).
* The Ministry also classifies accommodation units (Homestays/BBs, guesthouses, tented accommodations) and tourism service providers (Travel Agents, Tour Operators, Tourist Transport Operators).
Conservation and Restoration of Monuments:
* Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) allocates funds for conservation and restoration of monuments/sites.
* Allocations and expenditures for the Chandigarh Circle from 2020-21 to 2025-26 (up to 15.07.2025) are detailed, with varying amounts allocated each year.
Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP):
* The Ministry of Tourism launched a revamped version of IIDP.
* IIDP uses AI to personalize visitor experiences, offering real-time updates and travel services.
* The platform partners with Online Travel Agents (OTAs) for booking flights, hotels, cabs, buses, and tickets for ASI monuments.
* Digital promotions are conducted through social media platforms.
Projects Sanctioned Details:
* Annexure provides details of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD, Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, CBDD, and SASCI schemes.
Impact Analysis:
State Governments/UT Administrations:
* Impact: Responsible for the primary development and promotion of tourism destinations. Can receive financial assistance from the Ministry of Tourism for tourism infrastructure development.
* Action Required: Adhere to scheme guidelines, submit Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), and manage the implementation of sanctioned projects.
Ministry of Tourism:
* Impact: Provides financial assistance and support for tourism development through various schemes.
* Action Required: Ensure availability of funds, monitor adherence to scheme guidelines, and manage the Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP).
Tourists/Travelers:
* Impact: Benefit from improved infrastructure, connectivity, and access to information through the Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP).
* Action Required: Utilize the IIDP for planning and booking travel, and experience the enhanced tourism offerings.
Tourism Service Providers (Hotels, Tour Operators, etc.):
* Impact: Can be classified and approved by the Ministry of Tourism, enhancing their credibility and visibility. Benefit from increased tourist traffic due to promotional efforts and infrastructure development.
* Action Required: Apply for classification and approval, maintain quality standards, and leverage the IIDP for promotion.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):
* Impact: Responsible for the conservation and restoration of monuments/sites.
* Action Required: Utilize allocated funds effectively for conservation and restoration projects.
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.
Amritsar, Punjab: A city in the state of Punjab, India, recognized for its spiritual and historical significance, and a focus of tourism promotion efforts.
Swadesh Darshan: A central sector scheme of the Ministry of Tourism focused on integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.
PRASHAD: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive, a scheme complementing tourism infrastructure development.
Regional Connectivity SchemeUde Desh ka Aam Nagrik RCS UDAN: A Government scheme to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable, including routes connecting Amritsar.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Minister of Tourism in India, responsible for answering questions related to tourism promotion.
Archaeological Survey of India: The agency responsible for the conservation and restoration of monuments and sites, with the Chandigarh Circle mentioned in the document.
Incredible India Digital Platform IIDP: A revamped digital platform by the Ministry of Tourism to promote India's tourism offerings and provide travel-related information.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1278
ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
SPECIAL TOURISM PROMOTION PACKAGE FOR AMRITSAR
1278. SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether Amritsar deserves focused attention for promotion of
tourism as it represents not just Punjab, but the soul of India's
spiritual and historic legacy;
(b) whether the Government proposes to launch any special tourism
promotion package for Amritsar, Punjab;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) the details of the concrete steps taken/being taken by the
Government to boost infrastructure, safety and hospitality
standards and include it in major domestic and international
tourism circuits;
(e) the details of the funds allocated and disbursed for development of
heritage sites and to promote tourism; and
(f) whether the Government has launched any awareness campaigns
of the promotion on digital platforms to attract global tourists, if
so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (f): Development and Promotion of tourist destinations and
tourism products is primarily undertaken by the respective State
Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. However, the Ministry
of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan
(SD)’, Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)’, ‘Challenge Based Destination
Development (CBDD)’ – a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan and
‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive
(PRASHAD)’ complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure
development by extending financial assistance to the State
Governments/UT Administrations; subject to availability of funds,adherence to scheme guidelines, submission of Detailed Project Reports
(DPRs) by the State Government etc.
In addition, Government of India under its initiative for ‘Special
Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)’ has also provided
financial assistance to the States for development of tourism projects.
The details of the projects sanctioned in Amritsar is as follow:
1. Development of Karuna Sagar Valmiki Sthal at Amritsar in
2015-16.
2. Border Tourism Experience at Attari, Amritsar in 2023-24.
The details of the projects sanctioned along-with funds allocated
and released under Swadesh Darshan, SD2.0, PRASHAD, CBDD and
SASCI scheme in the state of Punjab is Annexed.
The Government launched the Regional Connectivity Scheme-Ude
Desh ka Aam Nagrik (RCS - UDAN) in October 2016 to enhance regional
air connectivity from unserved and underserved airports in the country
for making air travel affordable to the people of India. Under this
scheme, with a view to promote tourism, routes connecting Amritsar to
Kolkata, Jaipur and Patna were operationalised under Tourism – RCS
(TRCS). These routes were funded with 100% Viability Gap Funding
(VGF) reimbursement by Ministry of Tourism. The total VGF disbursed on
these routes stands at Rs.47.09 crores.
Ministry of Tourism under its voluntary scheme of Classification
classifies hotels and resorts under the star rating system. Under this
system, hotels/resorts are given a rating, from One Star to Three Star,
Four and Five Star with or without alcohol, Five Star Deluxe, Heritage
(Basic), Heritage (Classic), Heritage (Grand), Legacy Vintage (Basic),
Legacy Vintage (Classic), Legacy Vintage (Grand) and Apartment Hotels.
Aside from the above, the Ministry also classifies/approves
accommodation units viz Homestays/B&Bs, guesthouses, tented
accommodations and tourism service providers viz Travel Agents, Tour
Operators, Tourist Transport Operators.
The details of the funds allocated and disbursed by Archaeological
Survey of India for conservation and restoration of monuments/sites
under the jurisdiction of Chandigarh Circle during the last five financial
years and current financial year are given as below:(Amount in crores)
Financial Year Allocation Expenditure
2020-21 0.80 0.80
2021-22 1.50 1.50
2022-23 6.53 6.53
2023-24 11.00 11.00
2024-25 5.65 5.65
2025-26 4.00 3.27
(Upto 15.07.2025)
Ministry of Tourism has launched its revamped version of
Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) as a comprehensive resource for
travellers and stakeholders interested in exploring the country’s rich
cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. The IIDP uses
an AI-powered tool that personalizes visitor experiences by offering real-
time weather updates, city exploration, and essential travel services.
Ministry of Tourism promotes all tourist destinations including Punjab
through various mediums including the platform of IIDP.
The portal has also partnered with several OTAs (Online Travel Agents)
and stakeholders for seamless booking of flights, hotels, cabs, and
buses and tickets for ASI monuments.
Digital promotions are also regularly undertaken through the Social
Media platforms.
********ANNEXURE
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF LOK SABHA UNSTARRED
QUESTION NO.1278 ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025 REGARDING SPECIAL
TOURISM PROMOTION PACKAGE FOR AMRITSAR RAISED BY SHRI
GURJEET SINGH AUJLA
List of projects sanctioned under PRASHAD Scheme:-
(Rs. in Crores)
S. State/UT Project Name Sanction Sanction Amount
No. Year Amount Released
1. Punjab Development of Karuna 2015-16 6.40 6.40
Sagar Valmiki Sthal at
Amritsar
2. Punjab Development of 2021-22 30.52 21.93
Chamkaur Sahib at
Rupar, Punjab
The List of the sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme:-
(Rs. in Crores)
S. State/UT Circuit / Name of the Amount Amount
No. Sanction Project Sanctioned Released/
Year Authorized
1. Punjab Heritage Development of 85.32 81.05
Circuit Anandpur Sahib -
2018-19 Fatehgarh Sahib -
Chamkaur Sahib -
Ferozpur - Khatkar
Kalan – Kalanour -
Patiala
List of Sanctioned projects under Swadesh Darshan 2.0:-
(Rs. in Crores)
S State Year of Destination Name of the Sanctioned Amount
No Sanction Experience Cost Authorized
1. Punjab 2023-24 Kapurthala Eco Tourism 20.06 0.00
experience
at Kanjli
wetland2. Punjab 2023-24 Amritsar Border 25.90 2.59
Tourism
Experience
at Attari
List of sanctioned projects under Challenge Based Destination
Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan scheme
(Rs. in Crores)
S State/UT Year of Name of Project Sanctioned Amount
No. Sanction Cost Authorized
1. Punjab 2024-25 Cultural and 25.00 2.50
Heritage Strech at
Hussainiwala
Border, Ferozepur
2. Punjab 2024-25 Heritage street -A 24.90 2.49
symbor of peace
and Harmony at
Sri Anandpur
Sahib, Rupnagar
List of Projects sanctioned under the Special Assistance to States for
Capital Investment (SASCI Scheme) - Development of Iconic Tourist
Centres to Global Scale
(Rs. in Crores)
S. State Year of Name of the Project Sanctioned Amount
No. Sanction Cost Released
1. Punjab 2024-25 Development of Heritage 53.45 35.27
Street as a tribute to
Shaheed-e-Azam, Sardar
Bhaghat Singh at
Khatkar Kalan in SBS
Nagar
********