Centre Expands Tourism Infrastructure with Focus on Tribal & Hilly Areas

The Union Government is strengthening tourism infrastructure across the country, especially in tribal and hilly regions, to boost visitor experiences and generate livelihood opportunities.

While the primary responsibility of developing tourism facilities rests with State Governments and UT Administrations, the Ministry of Tourism is supporting them through schemes such as Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), and PRASHAD. Financial assistance is also extended under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) initiative.

These projects include components like green mobility, better signage, and enhanced tourist amenities.

Tribal Homestay Development Initiative

In partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the government has launched an initiative for “Development of Tribal Home Stays” under the Swadesh Darshan scheme. The scheme aims to tap tourism potential in tribal areas and provide alternative livelihoods for tribal households.

Funding support includes:

• Up to ₹5 lakh for village community requirements

• Up to ₹5 lakh for construction of two new rooms per household

• Up to ₹3 lakh for renovation of existing rooms per household

The State Governments/UTs will identify suitable villages and beneficiaries in consultation with local communities, submit projects to the Ministry, and disburse funds in a transparent manner.

Implementation Guidelines

Although the scheme does not specifically mention the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, States/UTs must frame their own operational guidelines in line with existing laws and ensure community involvement in planning and execution.

This information was shared by Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.