Why in News?

• The Cabinet approves the release of funds for 10 projects of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme sanctioned in 2018-19.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

• The scheme was launched by the Union Tourism Ministry with the objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in India.
• These tourist circuits will be developed on the principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner.
•  The scheme was launched in 2015.
•  It is a Central Sector Scheme (which means 100% sponsored by the GOI).
•  Under the Scheme 15 circuits have been identified for development namely Himalayan Circuit, North East Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Buddhist Circuit and Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Tirthankar Circuit and Sufi Circuit.

Objectives of the scheme:

• To position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and job creation.
• Develop circuits having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner.
•  Promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods in the identified regions.
• Enhancing the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner by developing world-class infrastructure in the circuit/destinations.
• Follow community-based development and pro-poor tourism approach.
•  Creating awareness among the local communities about the importance of tourism for them in terms of increased sources of income, improved living standards and overall development of the area.
• To create employment through the active involvement of local communities.
•  Harness tourism potential for its effects on employment generation and economic development.
• To make full use of the potential and advantages in terms of available infrastructure, national culture and characteristic strong points of each and every region throughout the country by the development of theme-based circuits.
•  Development of tourist facilitation services to enhance visitor experience/satisfaction.

Tourist Circuit:

• A Tourist Circuit is defined as a route having at least three major tourist destinations which are distinct and apart.
•  Circuits should have well-defined entry and exit points. A tourist who enters should get motivated to visit most of the places identified in the circuit.
• A Circuit could be confined to a State or could be a regional circuit covering more than one State/Union Territory. These circuits may have one dominant theme and other sub-themes.