Centre clears scheme for development of 40 tourist destinations across 23 States at a cost of ₹3,295 crore
The Hindu
Union approves ₹3,295 crore interest-free loans for tourism development in 23 States, focusing on lesser-known destinations and job creation.
The Centre has approved interest-free loans worth ₹3,295 crore to States for the development of tourism sites and infrastructure. As part of this initiative, 40 new projects have been identified across 23 States, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said on Thursday (November 28, 2024).
Through this initiative, the Union Tourism Ministry has also encouraged States to develop lesser-known tourist destinations, including Bateshwar in Uttar Pradesh, Ponda in Goa, Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh, and Porbandar in Gujarat.
The loans were cleared by the Union Finance Ministry earlier this week. As per the directives of the Department of Expenditure, the Ministry of Tourism has issued operational guidelines for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for development of iconic tourist centres.
The aim of this scheme is to infuse long-term interest-free loans for a period of 50 years to States for comprehensively developing iconic tourist centres in the country as well as branding and marketing them at a global scale.
“By infusing capital investment in the form of projects, the scheme further envisages the growth of the local economy and the creation of employment opportunities through sustainable tourism projects,” Mr. Shekhawat said at an interaction with the media in New Delhi.
The projects were finalised after extensive regional consultations with State governments. The Tourism Ministry had circulated the SASCI guidelines to the State governments with the request to formulate and submit project proposals.
A total of 87 project proposals were received, which would have cost more than ₹8,000 crore, after which the Ministry shortlisted 40 projects across 23 states at a cost of ₹3,295.76 crore. West Bengal was the only State that had not sent a proposal.
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