Union Tourism Ministry sanctions 16 projects in the NE region under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Sept 13: In a significant development, the Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday said that the ministry has sanctioned 16 projects in the north eastern region under Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which focuses on integrated development of theme based tourist circuits. Reddy said that under the DoNER ministry, the budget allocation for 2021-22 for the NE states is Rs 68,020 crore and urged their governments to submit viable proposals so that the full amount allocated across various ministries can be successfully utilized.

The two-day conference is being held under the chairmanship of the tourism, culture and DONER ministries to discuss development of tourism and issues related to connectivity in the NE. An MoU was signed between the Tourism ministry and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for cooperation in promoting domestic tourism and development of new tourism products.

Tourism and culture are vital engines of growth of North East. With Hon PM Sri @narendramodi’s vision and blessings we’ve an opportunity to harness region’s best potential. It becomes further convenient with Sri @kishanreddybjp entrusted with both DONER & @tourismgoi portfolios. pic.twitter.com/uGxKmQBAkx

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) September 13, 2021

Union Minister of State for Culture, Arjun Ram Meghwal said that tourism development is the core area and the NE has the potential for the area’s development. Asserting that the infrastructural development in the north east will enhance tourism development, Meghwal said that the development in the sector will help the other allied sectors to develop and will help the nation to grow.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that a holistic approach is required for the development of the tourism sector in the region and the entire NE region as a brand has to be promoted while connectivity and infrastructure facilities need to be developed.