Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Objectives, Eligibility and Features

It has become a universal aspiration to explore the world. As a result, tourism has become a potential industry generating billions for national economies. The Indian Government has therefore attempted to target travellers towards some of the exquisite Indian tourist sites. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is an initiative of the Indian Ministry of Tourism to harness the potential of travel and tourism in India.

Curious to know more about this scheme? This article will give you a wholesome guide and help you learn more about it!

source: indusdictum

India is known for its rich cultural heritage, leaving its traces in different tourist sites. The requirement for developing this tourism sector has recently been a common concern for the Indian Government, as everyone recognises its potential to increase its contribution to the GDP and the job market. Keeping this in mind, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) launched a Central Government Scheme with the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15.

Its purpose is to improve the integrated developments of the theme-based tourist circuits in India. This scheme also envisioned synergising with other government schemes, including Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, Make in India etc. It had the potential of driving more travellers to try and experience the shimmering beauty of India.

Moreover, Swadesh Darshan Yojana could also improve the tourism business, thereby increasing its profitability and contribution to India's GDP while acting as a significant engine for job creation in India.

If you are wondering "what is the Swadesh Darshan scheme?", it is connected with the Indian Government's goal of improving the travel and tourism business. In this context, considering the following objectives of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme will give you a more evident knowledge of its expected outcomes.

• Positioning tourism as an amplifier of economic growth and job creation
• Developing circuits with tourist potential in a planned manner
• Promoting the cultural value of India across various regions
• Developing world-class infrastructure in tourism circuit /destinations
• Enhancing the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner
• Creating awareness among local communities about the significance of tourism
• Following community-based improvement and pro-poor tourism approach
• Creating employment through local communities’ active involvement
• Using existing infrastructure, national culture and characteristic strong points for attracting travellers

It is a significant feature of this Swadesh Darshan scheme, focusing on the entire tourism sector. It includes an idea of developing Passenger Terminals, including all kinds of transportation across road, rail, water and air. Moreover, it supervises the Tourism Facilitation Centers, looking after the Toilet facility, cloakrooms, ATMs/ money exchange, waiting areas, parking spaces, cafeteria, drinking water outlets, etc.

This scheme also looks after emergency vehicle breakdown, repair and refuelling facilities. It also monitors the First Aid Centers, Solid waste management, Wi-Fi connectivity, CCTV cameras and other security installations.

1. Tourism Related Infrastructure

Various aspects of the entire tourism infrastructure of India are covered under this Swadesh Darshan scheme. Improvement of last-mile connectivity in all the tourist sites and destinations is a significant part of this function. Moreover, this scheme is responsible for reporting and covering all historic structures. In tourist spots, it can also construct new craft stores and bazaars, souvenir shops, cafeterias, air theatres, etc.

This scheme also looks after the shoreline development of natural water bodies such as rivers, lakes, streams while maintaining the water supply, drainage, sewerage, electricity and roads/pathways. Supporting tourist activities such as sound & light shows, water sports, adventure sports are also considered.

2. Tourism Mapping and Management

The Indian tourism inventory management also rests upon this Swadesh Darshan Yojana. It, therefore, supervises GIS-based tourism inventory management in India. Moreover, it has access to the entire database, monitoring the tangible and intangible tourism product documentation.

3. Capacity and Skill Development

This is another significant component of this Swadesh Darshan scheme. The Government tries to improve the capacities and skills of the tourism sector employees. It includes special courses for addressing skill gaps at different destinations and short-duration skill development training programs.

4. Preparation of DPR

After every evaluation, this Swadesh Darshan scheme is responsible for preparing a Conceptual Detailed Project Report (DPR). It monitors every tourist spot and evaluates various factors. The scheme looks into the capacity of various destinations and their physical planning. This scheme analyses safety, security and internet connectivity and promotes clean energy, eco-friendly materials and recycling.

The DPR also collects information about souvenirs, handicrafts, local product development plans, and performing arts of a tourist spot. It also maintains adequate cleanliness at a destination with a solid waste management plan. Procurement Plan for equipment and components and the Implementation PERT Chart are also significant parts of this DPR.

The Swadesh Darshan scheme is a direct fund from the Central Government to encourage tourism-related projects across India. The following criteria should be present in a project for becoming a beneficiary.

• A project should appear as a world-class destination with diverse tourism experiences.
• The standards of connectivity and other infrastructure should meet the criteria. 
• It should focus on job creation and livelihood enhancement in its area.
• Promotion of conserving and promoting local arts, handicrafts, cuisine etc., should be present. 
• It should be able to attract investment in the private sector/PPP.
• A project should follow a comprehensive area development approach for ensuring all the facilities.
• It should periodically evaluate the Robust Operation and Management plan (O&M) by an independent agency.

Now that you have garnered a fair amount of knowledge about the Swadesh Darshan scheme, you can probably understand its primary purpose. The movement tries to address all the tourism-related issues with this. However, you can throw further light on this scheme and analyse its impact on this industry by reading about its benefits as mentioned below.

• This scheme will help improve the entire Indian tourism sector. 
• More people across the globe will come to India and explore its tourist sites. 
• The theme-based circuits will help improve the entire sector. Few of these circuits include North East Circuit, Himalaya Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Krishna Circuit, etc. 
• It shall improve tourist facilitation services to enhance customer experience. 
• Employments are expected to increase with this scheme in the tourism sector. 
• It will help in developing a pro-poor tourism approach.

It would help if you had a recognised organisation under the Ministry of Tourism. If you have valid credentials, you can visit the official portal of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and log in. You can then apply for this scheme with a project. Experts/Consultants will evaluate your project and prepare a DPR based on it. Once it is approved, you will receive your grant in five instalments.

The Mission Director is responsible for implementing the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. A project submitted under this scheme should not include the following:

• Land acquisition for development
• Resettlement and rehabilitation package
• Improvement/investments in assets/structures owned by private entities
• Accommodation
• Rejuvenation/dredging/development of bunds of a water body 
• Convention Centers/Golf Course/Aquamarine Parks/amusement parks/theme parks which shall be taken up for VGF under other schemes

Therefore, you can identify the significance of Swadesh Darshan Scheme for shaping the Indian tourism sector. This scheme can represent India globally and attract travellers from various places. This will improve the national economy and contribute to the employment market.