PARLIAMENT OF INDIARAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEEON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND CULTURE

TWO HUNDRED SIXTY FIRST REPORT

Demands for Grants (2018-19)of the Ministry of Tourism

(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 6th March, 2018)(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 6th March, 2018)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New DelhiMarch, 2018/Phalguna, 1939 (Saka)

261REPORT NO.

Website : http://rajyasabha. nic. inE-mail : rsc-tt@sansad.nic. in

Hindi version of this publication is also available

PARLIAMENT OF INDIARAJYA SABHA

DEPARTMENT-RELATED PARLIAMENTARY STANDING COMMITTEEON TRANSPORT, TOURISM AND CULTURE

TWO HUNDRED SIXTY FIRST REPORT

Demands for Grants (2018-19)of the Ministry of Tourism

(Presented to the Rajya Sabha on 6th March, 2018)(Laid on the Table of Lok Sabha on 6th March, 2018)

Rajya Sabha Secretariat, New DelhiMarch, 2018/Phalguna, 1939 (Saka)

CONTENTS

PAGES

1. COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE............................................................................ (i)-(ii)

2. INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................... (iii)

3. ACRONYMS............................................................................................................ (iv)-(vi)

4. REPORT................................................................................................................. 1-39

5. RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS — AT A GLANCE.................................................... 40-49

6. MINUTES............................................................................................................... 51-56

7. ANNEXURES............................................................................................................. 57-70

COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE

(Constituted on 1st September, 2017)

1. Shri Derek O'Brien — Chairman

RAJYA SABHA

2. Shri Ritabrata Banerjee

3. Shri La. Ganesan

4. Dr. Prabhakar Kore

5. Shri Praful Patel

6. Kumari Selja

7. Shri Rajeev Shukla

8. Shri Rewati Raman Singh

9. Shri Narendra Kumar Swain

10. Shri Vinay Dinu Tendulkar

LOK SABHA

11. Shri Subrata Bakshi

12. Shri Ramcharan Bohra

13. Shri Vinod Chavda

14. Shri Rajeshbhai Naranbhai Chudasama

15. Kumari Arpita Ghosh

16. Shri Rahul Kaswan

17. Shri Nimmala Kristappa

18. Shri P. Kumar

19. Shri Harish Chandra Meena

20. Shri Ram Charitra Nishad

21. Shri Rajesh Pandey

22. Shri Rajesh Ranjan

23. Shri Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy

24. Shri Ram Kumar Sharma

(i)

(ii)

25. Shri Prathap Simha

26. Shri Dushyant Singh

27. Shri Kunwar Haribansh Singh

28. Shri Rakesh Singh

29. Shri Shatrughan Sinha

30. Shri Manoj Tiwari

31. Shri K. C. Venugopal

SECRETARIAT

Shrimati Sunita Sekaran, Director

Shri Swarabji B., Director

Shrimati Monica Baa, Additional Director

Shrimati Catherine John L., Under Secretary

Shrimati Anamika Das Bora, Committee Officer

(iii)

INTRODUCTION

I, the Chairman, Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism andCulture, having been authorized by the Committee to present on its behalf, do hereby present this TwoHundred Sixty First Report on Demands for Grants (2018-19) of the Ministry of Tourism.

2. The Committee, at its meeting held on the 12th February, 2018 considered the subject and heardthe Secretary and other officials of the Ministry of Tourism.

3. The Committee wishes to express its thanks to the officers of Ministry of Tourism for placingbefore the Committee, the material and information desired in connection with the subject and forclarifying the points raised by the Members.

4. The Committee considered and adopted the Report at its meeting held on 1st March, 2018.

NEW DELHI; DEREK O'BRIEN1 March, 2018 Chairman,Phalguna 10, 1939 (Saka) Department-related Parliamentary Standing

Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture,Rajya Sabha.

ACRONYMS

AD : Anno Domini

ASI : Archaeological Survey of India

ATC : Applied Training Centre

BE : Budget Estimates

BSF : Border Security Force

CBSP : Capacity Building for Service Providers

CCI : Campaign Clean India

CD : Compact Disk

CFA : Central Financial Assistance

CISF : Central Industrial Security Force

CPWD : Central Public Works Division

CRZ : Coastal Regulation Zone

CSMC : Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee

CSR : Corporate Social Responsibility

DPPH : Domestic Promotion and Publicity including Hospitality

DPR : Detailed Project Report

EAP : Externally Aided Project

ECoR : East Coast Railways

ECR : East Central Railways

ER : Eastern Railways

FCI : Food Craft Institutes (FCIs),

FICCI : The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry

FTAs : Foreign Tourist Arrivals

GDP : Gross Domestic Production

IHM : Institutes of Hotel Management

IITTM : Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management

(iv)

(v)

IMCCTS : Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on Tourism Sector

IMS : Integrated Management System

ITDC : India Tourism Development Corporation

JCP : Joint Commission

KRCL : Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd.

MD : Mission Directorate

MIS : Management Information System

MoT : Ministry of Tourism

MR-PS : Market Research Professional Services

MSDE : Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

MVT : Medical Value travel

NCHMCT : National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology

NCR : North Central Railways

NE : North East

NER : North Eastern Region

NFR : North Frontier Railway

NH : National Highways

NIWS : National Institute of Water Sports

NOIDA : New Okhla Industrial Development Authority

NR : Northern Railways

NSQF : National Skill Qualification Framework

NWR : North-West Railways

PIDDC : Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits

PMC : Project Management Consultants

PMRP : Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan

PPP : Public Private Partnership

PRASHAD : Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage AugmentationDrive

(vi)

RE : Revised Estimates

SEL : son et lumiere (Sound and Light Shows)

SOP : Standard Operating Procedure

SPV : Special Purpose Vehicles

SR : Southern Railways

TP : Tourism Promotion

TSA : Tourism Satellite Account

UP : Uttar Pradesh

UT : Union Territory

WD : Window Display

REPORT

Tourism is a major engine of economic growth and an important source of employment and foreignexchange earnings. It has great capacity to create large scale employment of diverse kind from the mostspecialized to the unskilled and hence can play a major role in creation of additional employmentopportunities. It can also play an important role in achieving growth with equity and sustainability.Ministry of Tourism is the nodal agency to formulate national policies and programmes for the developmentand promotion of tourism in the country.

2. The Ministry of Tourism has 20 Domestic field offices and an Indian Institute of Skiing andMountaineering within the country and 14 overseas offices. The overseas offices promote Indian tourismin the market abroad. The domestic field offices also play a vital role for promotion of tourism sectorin the country. They are also involved in monitoring the progress of implementation of projects sanctionedby the Ministry to the State Governments/Union Territories.

3. The Ministry of Tourism has under its control a public sector undertaking, the India TourismDevelopment Corporation (ITDC) and the following autonomous institutions:

(i) Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM)

(ii) National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and the Institutesof Hotel Management.

4. At present there are 42 Institutes of Hotels Management (including Central and State IHMs),comprising 21 Central IHMS and 21 State IHMs, and 11 Food Craft Institutes, which have come up withthe support of the Ministry.

5. Demand No. 95 containing the details of budgetary provisions of the Ministry of Tourism for thefinancial year 2018-19 was scrutinized by the Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee onTransport, Tourism and Culture at its meeting held on the Twelfth February, 2018. The Secretary,Ministry of Tourism along with the senior officials made a detailed presentation to the Committee onvarious aspects of the Demands for Grants and functioning of the Ministry. The Committee examinedthe budget documents of the Ministry and the replies furnished by the Ministry to the questionnaires.

6. The Committee was informed that Ministry of Tourism has taken the initiative of identifying,developing and promoting niche products of the country. This is done in order to overcome the aspectof 'seasonality' and to promote India as a 365 days' destination, attract tourists with specific interest,and to ensure repeat visits for the unique products in which India has a comparative edge. Accordingly,the following niche products have been identified by the Ministry of Tourism for development andpromotion:

(i) Cruise Tourism

(ii) Adventure Tourism

(iii) Medical Tourism

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(iv) Wellness Tourism

(v) Golf Tourism

(vi) Polo Tourism

(vii) Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions

(viii) Eco Tourism

(ix) Films Tourism, and

(x) Sustainable Tourism

7. The Committee appreciates the initiatives of the Ministry. The Committee is, however,dismayed to note that there is no fund allocation to any of the above niche products; nor anyconcrete and specific proposals on the part of the Ministry to promote any of the niche tourisminitiatives. The Committee reminds that the Ministry should formulate clear policies andprogrammes along with required fund allocations to implement the projects.

ANALYSIS OF TWELFTH FIVE YEAR PLAN

8. The details of year wise allocation and utilization of the Ministry of Tourism during the Twelfth FiveYear Plan is given below:

Table-1

(` in crore)

Year Revenue Capital Total % of Utilizationof Funds

BE RE Actuals BE RE Actuals BE RE Actuals % Exp. % Exp.w.r.t. w.r.t.BE RE

2012-2013 1279.98 1018.98 932.26 3.00 2.00 2.00 1282.98 1020.98 934.26 72.82 91.51

2013-2014 1355.30 1048.31 882.44 2.00 2.01 2.00 1357.30 1050.32 884.44 65.16 84.21

2014-2015 1965.21 1170.69 941.60 1.50 12.30 1.71 1966.71 1182.99 943.31 47.96 79.74

2015-2016 1568.02 928.48 900.32 5.05 3.67 3.62 1573.07 932.15 903.94 57.46 96.97

2016-2017 1589.27 1669.88 1631.19 1.05 1.05 0.00 1590.32 1670.93 1631.19 102.57 97.62

Total (12th 7757.78 5836.34 5287.81 12.60 21.03 9.33 7770.38 5857.37 5297.14 68.17 90.44Five yearPlan)

9. The Committee observes that the average utilization of funds by Ministry of Tourism during12th Five Year Plan is `̀̀̀̀ 5297.14 crore which is 90.44% of Revised Estimates (RE) and 68.17 %of Budget Estimates (BE). The total allocation for the Twelfth Year Plan shows a reduction to

3

`̀̀̀̀ 5857.37 at RE stage out of which `̀̀̀̀ 5297.14 was utilized. The Committee further notes thatduring the Twelfth Five Year Plan, the budget allocation was reduced every year except in2016-17 when the budget allocation was enhanced at the RE stage as shown in the Table. TheCommittee notes that reduction of budget at RE happens due to various reasons such as lackof proper plans and projects to utilize the BE, inefficient handling of ongoing projects,underutilization of BE during the first two quarters of the financial year etc. The Committee,therefore, suggests that the Ministry should inquire into the reasons of reduction at RE stagesduring the 12th Year Plan period and take remedial measures accordingly for better planning infuture. The Committee does not see any reason for reducing the allocations. Tourism is thelargest service industry with a fair share of contribution to GDP and the total employment in thecountry. The Committee is of the considered view that the Ministry of Tourism should make allefforts to utilize the allocated funds so that the future development plans of the Ministry oftourism may progress as proposed by the Ministry and contribute to employment generation.

ANALYSIS OF BUDGETARY ALLOCATION OF 2017-18

10. The following table gives the details of expenditure head-wise made on various Schemes andprojects of the Ministry of Tourism during 2016-17 and 2017-18:

Table-2

BE/RE/Actuals in respect of Ministry of Tourism (2016-17 to 2017-18)

(` in crore)

2016-17 2017-18

Scheme/ Head (Revenue) BE RE Actual Exp. BE RE ProvisionalExpenditure

as on31.01.2018

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Tourism Circuits/ SWADESH 706.35 972.40 971.23 959.91 950.00 907.53DARSHAN

National Mission for Beautifying 100.00 100.00 97.71 100.00 100.00 84.07Pilgrimage Centre/PRASAD

Restructured Scheme of Overseas 300.00 223.00 192.24 300.00 295.00 112.60Promotion and Publicity

Domestic Promotion & Publicity 110.00 75.00 78.84 110.00 90.00 67.48Including Hospitality

Assistance to IHMs/FCIs/IITTM/ 95.00 85.00 89.99 95.00 90.00 78.24NCHMCT

4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Assistance to Central Agencies for 70.00 70.00 61.30 70.00 72.98 54.29Tourism Infrastructure Development

Incentives to Accommodation 0.60 0.60 0.44 0.01 0.01 0.00Infrastructure

Assistance for Large Revenue 0.99 0.99 3.27 2.99 0.01 0.00Generating Projects

Infrastructure Development for 10.00 10.00 9.89 10.00 10.00 10.00Destination and Circuits

Buddhist Circuit (Including EAP) 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.00

Information Technology 30.00 19.98 18.09 30.00 24.16 16.69

Capacity Building for Service 65.00 30.00 29.93 65.00 46.95 35.95Providers

Market Research 11.00 11.00 8.45 6.00 10.99 5.47

Total (Revenue) 1498.95 1597.98 1561.38 1748.92 1690.11 1372.30

Buddhist Circuit (Including EAP) 0.05 0.05 0.00 0.01 0.00 0.00

Construction of Parytan Bhawan 1.00 1.00 0.00 1.07 1.07 0.00

Creation of Land Bank for Hotels - - - - - -

TOTAL (CAPITAL) 1.05 1.05 0.00 1.08 1.07 0.00

GRAND TOTAL (PLAN/SCHEME) 1500.00 1599.03 1561.38 1750.00 1691.18 1372.30

NON - PLAN 90.32 71.90 77.23 90.77 85.22 60.22

GRAND TOTAL 1590.32 1670.93 1638.61 1840.77 1776.40 1432.51

11. The detailed analysis of the fund distribution and performance of each scheme during the TwelfthFive Year Plan and 2017-18 based on the deliberations of the Committee and other papers furnished bythe Ministry of Tourism and observations and recommendations of the Committee are given in thesucceeding paragraphs.

ANALYSIS OF DEMANDS FOR GRANTS 2018-19

12. The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism during deliberations informed the Committee that "... last yearwe were able to spend more than the BE allocated to us. It was more than 100 per cent expenditure. Thisyear also, the expenditure has already been more than 80 per cent and we are very, very confident thatwhatever we have got as RE, we will be able to spend 100 per cent. For next year, — because of thenew initiatives which we have taken, certain new schemes which we are taking up — we have been luckyenough to get a higher allocation in BE, i.e. ` 2,150 crores, and for the first time, we have crossed the2,000 mark."

5

13. Secretary, Tourism informed the Committee that the Ministry was able to get the annual Budgetcross the Rs 2,000 mark due to two new initiatives. Ministry of Tourism is in the process of launchingthe scheme of 'Special Tourism Zones' anchored on Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in partnership withthe States which was announced in the Budget for 2017-18. Ministry of Tourism would undertakedevelopment of 10 Iconic Tourist Sites-Taj Mahal, Mahabalipuram, Hampi, Khajurao, Amer Fort inRajasthan, Kaziranga Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam, a beach in Goa, Dholaveera and Somnath in Gujarat,Red Fort, Kutub Minar and Humayun's Tomb in Delhi- in collaboration with other Central Ministries/Departments, State Governments, Local Bodies and Private Sector to make them world class in termsof infrastructure, facilities, services and experience. The Ministry is taking holistic development of thesesites. For this ` 100 crores has been approved for preparation of DPR, etc. Later on more money wouldbe allocated for each site based on the requirement.

14. As regards the major achievements made in the tourism sector during the current financial year i.e.2017-18, the Secretary, Tourism stated that Foreign Tourist Arrivals during 2017 were 10.2 million(provisional) with a growth of 15.6% over 2016 while domestic visits saw a growth of about 15 to 16per cent. E-visa for more than 160 countries has benefited the travelers immensely. Foreign ExchangeEarnings during 2017 showed a growth of 17% over 2016. Tourism contributes to about 10 to 11 percent of the total employment in our country.

15. Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a total of 67 projects have been sanctioned till date for anamount of ` 5648.03 crore. Under the PRASHAD Scheme, a total of 22 projects have been sanctionedtill date for an amount of ` 625.10 crore. The 'Adopt a Heritage' Project has till date attracted interestsfor adoption of 57 sites across India.

16. The Ministry launched the "Incredible India 2.0" Campaign during 2017-18 which marks a shiftfrom the generic promotions being undertaken across the world to market specific promotional plans andcontent creation. Thematic creatives on different Niche products are being produced for the Television,Print and Online media.

17. Various initiatives have been taken by the Government to promote Tourism. Recent measures includethe introduction of e-visa facility under three categories of Tourist, Medical and Business for the citizensof 163 countries; launch of Global Media Campaign for 2017-18 on various channels; launch of "TheHeritage Trial" to promote World Heritage Sites in India; launch of International Media Campaign onvarious international TV channels; celebration of "Paryatan Parv" having three components namely,"Dekho Apna Desh" to encourage Indians to visit their own country, "Tourism for All" with tourismevents at sites across all States in the country, and "Tourism of Governance" with interactive sessionsand workshops with stakeholders on varied themes.

18. The Ministry released guidelines for promotion of Golf Tourism, promotion of Medical and WellnessTourism, promotion of Polo Tourism and Basic Minimum Standards for Adventure Tourism. AdventureTourism Task Force, Cruise Tourism Task Force and National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board havebeen formed.

19. Under the Social Awareness Campaign, "Paryatan Parv" and "Swachhta Pakhwadas" were organized.The "Swachhta Action Plan" is being implemented at 450 sites at selected 15 states during 2017-18. A

6

Mobile App 'Swachh Paryatan' has been launched to communicate complaints about any unclean area/garbage piles in and around identified ASI monuments.

20. The Ministry has also launched the 24x7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Info-Helpline in 12 Languagesincluding 10 international languages and in Hindi and English and the code of conduct for Indian traveland tourism industry for Safe and Honourable Tourism. 14 States have deployed the tourist police in oneform or the other.

21. The Committee notes the various steps taken by the Ministry of Tourism and hopes thatall these efforts would go a long way to develop diverse tourism industry in the forthcomingyears.

22. The Committee was informed that the Budget Allocation for the Financial Year 2017-18 was` 1840.77 crore. It was reduced to ` 1776.40 crore at RE 2017-18 stage. Against the RE allocation of` 1776.40 crores, the actual expenditure till 31.01.2018 has been ` 1432.51 crores which is 80.64% ofthe RE allocation. Ministry of Tourism submitted the proposal for ` 2856.81 crore for Budget Estimatesfor the year 2017-18. An amount of ` 1840.77 crore was allocated for the year 2017-18, whichconstitutes about 64.43% of MOT's projection submitted to Ministry of Finance. However, the BudgetAllocation was reduced to ` 1776.40 crore at RE stage. The Committee notes that the reduction atRE stage happens due to handling of projects and schemes by the Ministry in an unprofessionalmanner. The Committee recommends that the reasons for reduction at RE be identified andcorrective measures be taken during 2018-19 while implementing the schemes as projected bythe Ministry while seeking allocation of funds from the Ministry of Finance.

ANNUAL PLAN 2018-19

23. The total projection for BE 2018-19 in respect of Ministry of Tourism was ` 4320.39 crore againstwhich the allocation of ` 2150.00 crore has been given. The Ministry is giving emphasis on TourismInfrastructure development and Promotional Activities. The allocation of funds among various Schemeshas been made accordingly.

24. A Statement of Budget Estimate 2018-19 as furnished by the Ministry of Tourism is given below.

Table-3

(` in crore)

Sl. No. Name of Schemes BE 2018-19

A Establishment Expenditure of the centre

Secretariat 7.76

Director General Tourism 82.47

Information Technology 25.50

Total (Establishment Expenditure of the centre) 115.73

7

Sl. No. Name of Schemes BE 2018-19

CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEMES

B Tourism Infrastructure

Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits around specific themes 1100.00(Swadesh Darshan)

Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) 150.00

Total (Tourism Infrastructure) 1250.00

C Other Support to Tourist Infrastructure

Product/Infrastructure Development for Destinations and Circuits 5.00

Assistance for Large Revenue Generating Projects 1.00

Assistance to Central Agencies 70.00

Market Research 4.00

Incentive to Accommodation Infrastructure 0.01

Bharat Parytan Bhavan 0.01

Buddhist Circuit 0.01

Buddhist Circuit (EAP) 0.00

Total -Other Support to Tourist Infrastructure 80.03

D Promotion and Publicity

Overseas Promotion and Publicity including Market Development Assistance 454.24

Domestic Promotion and Publicity including Market Development Assistance 135.00

Total (Promotion & Publicity) 589.24

E Training and Skill Development

Assistance to IHMS/FCIs/IITTM/NIWS 85.00

Capacity Building for Service Providers 30.00

Total (Training and Skill Development) 115.00

Total (B+C+D+E) (Central Sector Scheme) 2034.27

Grand Total (Budget Estimates as per SBE) 2150.00

8

25. The salient features of Demand for Grants 2018-19 (Demand No 95) of the Ministry of Tourismis given below:

Table-4

(` in crore)

Sl. Name of the Schemes/ Financial Output/Deliverable against theNo. Sub-Scheme Outlay Outlay 2018-19

2018-19

1 2 3 4

1.1 Swadesh Darshan -Integrated 1100.00 • Completion of 15 projects sanctioned inDevelopment of Tourist Circuits 2014-15,2015-16 and 2016 - 17.on Specific Themes • Undertaking 13 new projects.

• Development of Iconic Tourist Sites.

• Development of two Special Tourism Zones.

1.2 PRASAD - National Mission for 150.00 • Completion of 11 projects sanctioned inPilgrimage Rejuvenation and 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016 - 17.Spiritual Drive • To undertake development activities at 10

more pilgrimage destinations.• Development activities at 3 heritage sites.

1.3 Assistance to Central Agencies for 70.00 • To continue/complete Sound and LightTourism Infrastructure Development Show at 5 ASI Monuments.

• To continue/complete Tourist InfrastructureFacilities at 4 Ports.

• Renovation of one ASI Monument.

• To continue/complete 25 ongoing JointDevelopment of Railway Stations.

• To continue/complete improvement ofTourist Facilities at 3 Railway stations underKonkan Railway.

• Tourist infrastructure facilities by ITDC andother Central Agencies - 3

2.1 Domestic Promotion and Publicity 135.00 • Release of advertisement on majorincluding Hospitality newspapers on important occasions.

• Release of TV campaigns in North East &J&K

9

1 2 3 4

• Release of Online Campaign

• Release of Outdoor Campaigns

• Release of advertisement on boardingpasses, Water & Electricity Bills, throughSMS and other such items

• Organizing/participating in variouspromotional events such Bharat ParvParyatan Parv etc.

2.2 Overseas Promotion and Publicity 454.24 1. Increase the visibility of Indian tourismincluding Market Development products in the overseas markets and toAssistance promote India as a preferred tourist

destination.

2. Undertake joint promotion efforts withinternational airlines, tour operators andwholesalers overseas, Indian missions andother organizations to broad-base the scopeof promotion activities.

3. Effective, coordinated & impactfulparticipation in Trade Fairs and Exhibitions.

4. Organizing and participating in Road Shows,India Evenings, Seminar and Workshops inimportant overseas markets to showcase thevaried Indian tourism products.

5. Organizing/Participation in Indian Food andCultural Festivals and other promotionalevents.

6. To vigorously pursue Incredible IndiaCampaign 2.0 launched by Hon'ble Presidentduring World Tourism Day, 2017.

7. Promoting India as a destination forConferences and Conventions andpromoting other niche tourism products suchas Rural Tourism, Medical & WellnessTourism, Tourism Trains, etc. in theoverseas markets.

10

1 2 3 4

8. Reinforced Hospitality Programmes byinviting media personnel, travel agents andtour operators on familiarization tours toIndia to get first-hand knowledge on varioustourism products as well as to participate inand cover important events.

9. To provide Marketing DevelopmentAssistance support to smaller serviceproviders in the travel, transport andhospitality industry for promotion activitiesundertaken, including participation in TravelFairs/Exhibitions Production of publicitymaterial, sales Tours etc.

10.To organize International BuddhistConference, 2018.

3

3.1 Assistance to IHM/FCIs/IITTM/ 85.00 To initiate process for setting up of 2 newNCHMCT Institutes.To fund 15 ongoing projects of IHMs/

FCI/ etc. Completion of 4 ongoing projectsand making operational the saidinstitutes.Strengthening of 3 institutes by augmentingexisting facilities.

Total 2034.27*

* Including all above and remaining schemes. The allocation under other schemes is very less and the funds earmarkedunder those schemes would be utilized as per the guidelines of those schemes.

* The allocation for Establishment Expenditure of the Ministry is `115.73 cr.

TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE

26. An allocation of `1330.03 crore in BE 2018-19 has been made for Tourism Infrastructure. This isan enhanced allocation as the B.E. during 2017-18 was `1150.00 crore.

SWADESH DARSHAN

27. The Committee was informed that under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme the R.E. during 2017-18is ` 950 crores against the B.E. of ` 959.91 crores. During the year 2017-18 Ministry sanctioned 11new projects for ` 824.80 crores and released 1st installment of funds of ` 161.83 crores. Ministryreleased 2nd and 3rd installment of funds of ` 721.08 crores for 31 ongoing projects. The Ministry isfocusing in a big way on implementation, timely completion and utilization of funds by the implementing

11

agencies. For this regular review meetings are held with the State Government/UTs at the level ofSecretary (T). The Ministry officials and Programme Management Consultant (PMC) carries out the sitevisit to monitor the on ground progress of the projects. The State Governments have been advised tosubmit monthly physical and financial progress report of the projects to the Ministry. The Ministry hasalso developed an on line monitoring portal to monitor the real time physical and financial progress ofthe projects. This year Ministry has only sanctioned 11 new projects and majority of funds have beenutilized on implementation of ongoing projects.

28. Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme BE for 2018-19 is ` 1100 crores. The Ministry aims to utilizethe above funds on completion of ongoing projects, sanctioning of 10-12 new projects, development of10 Iconic Tourist sites as per Budget Announcement of 2018-19 and Development of wayside amenitiesin popular tourist circuits.

29. During the year 2017-18 Ministry has sanctioned 11 new projects for ` 824.80 crores under theSwadesh Darshan Scheme. Funds to the tune of ` 230.58 crores have been released as 3rd installmentfor 11 ongoing projects. The last installment of funds i.e. 4th and final installment (20% of project cost)will be provided by the State Governments from their funds which will be reimbursed by Ministry ofTourism on submission of completion certificates.

Scheme-wise physical achievements for the year 2017-18 under the Swadesh Darshan - IntegratedDevelopment of Theme Based Tourist Circuits is annexed at Annexure-II.

30. The Committee notes that a total of 67 projects were sanctioned under the Swadesh DarshanScheme during the last four years (i.e., 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18) with a totalproject cost of `̀̀̀̀ 5648.03 crores out of which an amount of `̀̀̀̀ 2148.17 crores has been released.The Committee is aware that many of the projects may not be completed in a single financialyear. Still the Committee feels that the utilization of funds which is a direct indication of thephysical achievements of the projects is very poor and unsatisfactory. The Committee, therefore,recommends that the Ministry may take initiatives to ensure that the projects are implementedin a time bound manner. The Committee further recommends that the timelines of each of theprojects along with the physical and financial achievements may be furnished to the Committee.

31. The Committee notes that during the year 2018-19 the Ministry aims to utilize the fundson completion of ongoing projects, sanctioning of new projects, development of Iconic Touristsites as per Budget Announcement of 2018-19 and Development of wayside amenities in populartourist circuits. The Committee finds that a majority of the projects undertaken for developmentunder the Swadesh Darshan are not in consistence with the State Tourism policy. Both StateTourism Policy and the Centre Tourism Policy stands on its own and, there is no bridging. TheCommittee feels that there is a need of some sleeper to connect the two parallel rails. TheCommittee notes that there is lack of effective coordination between the Centre and States forthe implementation of various tourism projects and policies. The Committee desires that aregular and permanent mechanism is required between the Centre and the States for the growthof tourism in the country.

12

32. The Committee also recommends that the Ministry of Tourism should monitor the progressof the projects regularly so that the projects do not lag behind as the Committee fears that slowpaces in progress of the Swadesh Darshan Projects may result in cost over runs and result indemand for extra allocations which would further delay the completion of projects. The Committee,therefore, recommends that the Ministry should ensure that the projects are completed withinthe stipulated time.

PRASHAD

33. The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) is city/destinationspecific to bridge the infrastructure gaps between the required and the existing. Under the PRASADScheme there is an allocation of `150 crore in BE 2018-19. As on date 23 projects have been sanctionedtill 02.02.2018 under the scheme. Out of these 23 projects more than 10 ongoing projects will becompleted during the year 2018-19. In addition it is proposed to undertake at least 10 new pilgrimageand three heritage projects in the Financial Year 2018-19.

34. A statement showing progress in ongoing 23 projects under the PRASHAD Scheme till 2017-18 isgiven below:

Table-5

(` in crore)

Sl. Name of the Implementing Date of Amt. Amt. Physical RemarksNo. project Agency sanction Sancti- Relea- progress

oned sed (%)so far

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1. Development of Andhra Pradesh 01.12.2015 28.36 22.69 57% Project is going onAmaravati Town, Tourism planned pace as perGuntur District as Development time schedule.a Tourist Destination, CorporationAndhra Pradesh Ltd.

2. Development of Andhra Pradesh 13.09.2017 47.45 9.49 2% Project is going onSrisailam Temple, Tourism planned pace as perAndhra Pradesh Development time schedule.

Corporation Ltd.

3. Development of Assam Tourism 01.12.2015 33.98 16.99 25% Delay on part of StateKamakhya Temple Development Government inand Pilgrimage Corporation implementationDestination in and observed. Matter hasaround Guwahati, been taken up forAssam necessary action to

speed up and earlycompletion of project.

13

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

4. Development of basic Bihar State Tourism 28.02.2015 4.27 2.14 25% Delay on part of Statefacilities at Vishnupad Development Government intemple, Gaya, Bihar Corporation Ltd. implementation

observed. Matter hasbeen taken up fornecessary action tospeed up and earlycompletion of project.

5. Development at Patna Bihar State Tourism 04.01.2016 41.54 33.23 85% Completion certificateSahib, Bihar Development likely to be received

Corporation Ltd. soon.

6. Development of Tourism Corporation 12.09.2016 26.23 5.25 12% Delay on part of StateDwarka, Gujarat Gujarat Limited Government in

i m p l e m e n t a t i o nobserved. Matter hasbeen taken up fornecessary action tospeed up and earlycompletion of project.

7. Pilgrimage amenities at Tourism Corporation 08.05.2017 37.44 7.49 3% Delay on part of StateSomnath, Gujarat Gujarat Limited Government in

i m p l e m e n t a t i o nobserved. Matter hasbeen taken up fornecessary action tospeed up and earlycompletion of project.

8. Development at J&K Cable Car 28.12.2016 42.02 19.93 15% Project is going onHazratbal, Corporation Ltd. planned pace as per time

schedule.

9. Development at Kerala Tourism 23.03.2017 46.14 9.23 3% Project is going onGuruvayur Temple, Infrastructure Limited planned pace as perKerala time schedule.

10. Development of Madhya Pradesh State 28.06.2017 40.67 8.13 0% Project is going onOmkareshwar, Madhya Tourism Development planned pace as perPradesh Corporation Ltd. time schedule.

11. Infrastructure Tourism Department 26.03.2015 50.00 10.00 2% Delay on part of StateDevelopment at Puri, Govt. of Odisha Government inShree Jagannath Dham- implementation

14

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Ramachandi -Prachi observed. Matter hasRiver front at Deuli been taken up forunder Mega Circuit, necessary action toOdisha speed up and early

completion of project.

12. Development of Punjab Heritage 01.10.2015 6.45 5.11 97% Completion certificateKaruna Sagar Valmiki Tourism Promotion is awaited.Sthal at Amritsar, BoardPunjab

13. Integrated Development Rajasthan Tourism 01.10.2015 40.44 19.41 25% Delay on part of Stateof Pushkar/Ajmer Development Government inRajasthan Corporation implementation

observed. Matter hasbeen taken up fornecessary action tospeed up and earlycompletion of project.

14. Development of Tamil Nadu Tourism 29.09.2016 16.48 3.30 3% Delay on part of StateKanchipuram, Development Government inTamil Nadu Corporation Ltd. implementation

observed. Matter hasbeen taken up fornecessary action tospeed up and earlycompletion of project.

15. Development of Tamil Nadu Tourism 07.10.2016 5.60 1.12 3% Delay on part of StateVellankani, Tamil Development Government inNadu Corporation Ltd implementation

observed. Matter hasbeen taken up fornecessary action tospeed up and earlycompletion of project.

16. Integrated Development Uttarakhand Tourism 27.09.2016 34.78 17.39 34% Project is going onof Kedarnath, Development Board planned pace as perUttarakhand time schedule.

17. Development of Uttar Pradesh State 26.03.2015 14.93 6.77 20% Delay on part of StateMathura-Vrindavan Tourism Development Government inas Mega Tourist Corporation Limited implementation

15

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Circuit (Ph-II), observed. Matter hasUttar Pradesh been taken up for

necessary action tospeed up and earlycompletion of project.

18. Construction of Tourist Uttar Pradesh State 31.03.2015 9.36 1.76 25% Delay on part of StateFacilitation Centre at Tourism Development Government inVrindavan, Distt. Corporation Limited implementationMathura, Uttar observed. Matter hasPradesh been taken up for

necessary action tospeed up and earlycompletion of project.

19. Development of Uttar Pradesh State 17.03.2016 20.40 10.20 55% Project is going onVaranasi, Uttar Tourism Development planned pace as perPradesh Corporation Limited time schedule.

20. Cruise Tourism in Uttar Pradesh State 16.11.2017 10.72 2.30 0% Project is going onRiver Ganga, Varanasi, Tourism Development planned pace as perUttar Pradesh Corporation Limited time schedule.

Tendering procedure isunder process for StateGovernment.

21. Development of Uttar Pradesh State 06.02.2018 62.82 00 0% The fund is yet to beVaranasi -II under Tourism Development released.PRASHAD Scheme Corporation Limited

22. Development of Belur, West Bengal Tourism 28.12.2016 30.03 23.39 50% Project is going onWest Bengal Development planned pace as per

Corporation Ltd. time schedule.

23 Development of Nasik Metropolitan 30.01.2018 37.81 00 0% The fund is yet to beTrimbakesh war, Regional Development released.District Nasik Authority

Total 687.92

35. Five projects, namely in Madhya Pradesh (Development of Omkareshwar), Andhra Pradesh(Development of Srisailam under PRASAD Scheme and Development of River Cruise), Maharashtra(Development of Trimbakeshwar, District Nasik) and Uttar Pradesh (Development of Varanasi II underPRASHAD Scheme) have been sanctioned and funds worth ` 19.76 have been released in 2017-18 tilldate. (Annexure-III)

36. An amount of ` 66.87 crore has been released in the year 2017-18 for the ongoing projects inGujarat (Development of pilgrimage amenities at Somnath), Uttar Pradesh (Development of Varanasi),

16

Rajasthan (Integrated Development of Pushkar/Ajmer), West Bengal (Development at Belur), Punjab(Development of Karuna Sagar Valmiki Sthal at Amritsar), Andhra Pradesh (Development of AmaravatiTown, Guntur District, Development of Mathura-Vrindavan as Mega Tourist Circuit (Ph-II) andDevelopment at Hazratbal) and West Bengal (Development at Belur). (Annexure-IV)

37. The Committee notes the projects and funds sanctioned to various States. The Committeeis very much concerned about the possibility of delay in completion of the projects. The Committee,therefore, recommends that projects received from the State Governments should be processed/sanctioned in time so as to avoid any delay and non-utilization of funds. The Committee furtherrecommends that the progress of these projects need to be monitored regularly to ensure thatthere is no delay and cost overrun in the projects.

38. The Ministry has taken the following steps/measures for completion of these projects without anyfurther delay.

(i) Monitoring Initiatives: Management Information System (MIS) created to show progress onthe project to concerned officials in Ministry of Tourism; escalation Matrix for the non-compliance to the committed project deadlines; video Conferencing for connecting variousstakeholders associated with the project and for review of the progress of the sanctionedproject and resolving issues on Non- implementable components.

(ii) Coordination between the Centre and the State Governments: Project monitoring on weeklyand monthly basis and regional review meetings.

39. The Secretary, Tourism informed the Committee that what was lacking earlier under the PIDTCScheme, etc., was that there was no institutionalized mechanism. But now the Ministry has the StateGovernments completely on board for every particular scheme whether it is 'Adopt a Heritage' orwhether it is any of our new initiatives, especially, the flagship Schemes like Swadesh Darshan andPRASHAD.

40. The Committee is not happy with the progress made in the implementation of the PRASHADprojects in the States. The percentage financial progress of the majority of projects in variousStates gives a dismal picture. The Ministry should follow the existing norms strictly to ensurethe funds are utilized, as far as possible, evenly throughout the year. Since Tourism projects areimplemented by the States, there is need to sensitize them to ensure optimum utilization offunds and issuing user utilization certificates on time. The Ministry should make concertedefforts in coordination with the States to complete the projects in a time bound manner andwithout any further delay.

41. The Committee wants the Ministry of Tourism to furnish the Committee with the projectwise details on the progress of each project along with the stipulated time frame against thetargets fixed for each under the PRASHAD Scheme.

42. The Committee notes that out of the 23 projects sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme10 schemes are delayed. Even the projects sanctioned in the year 2015 could achieve only 2 to

17

25% except one project in Punjab. Some of the projects could achieve the physical progress ofjust 2 or 3%. The Committee observes that much needs to be done for timely implementationof PRASHAD Scheme which is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Tourism.

43. The Committee is happy to note that the Ministry has taken action on its recommendationthat there should not be overlapping of same projects in those cases where the places werecovered under PIDDC and PRASHAD Schemes by ensuring while examining the proposal byProject Management Consultants (PMC) applying its DPR toolkit and also while considering theproposal by Mission Directorate (MD) and Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC)that the works/items covered under PIDDC are not included in the Project under PRASHADScheme.

44. The Committee also notes that Ujjain has been replaced with Omkareshwar as the pilgrimagedestination in Madhya Pradesh under the PRASHAD Scheme on the request of the Governmentof Madhya Pradesh.

ASSISTANCE TO CENTRAL AGENCIES

45. The number of projects under the Scheme for Assistance to Central Agencies for InfrastructureDevelopment in 2017-18 is as under:

Table-6

(in lakh)

Name of the project Sanctioned Cost Amount releasedof the project in 2017-18

1 2 3

SEL Show at Diu 775.54 465.32

Mormugao Port Trust, Goa 879.04 327.66(Completed)

Illumination at Sarnath & Varanasi 512.43 153.72

Cruise Terminal building at Chennai Port Trust 1724.66 862.33(Completed)

SEL, Dal Lake 500.00 215.51

KanhojiAngre Lighthouse, Mumbai Port Trust 1500.00 750.00(Completed)

SEL, Yavindra Garden, Haryana 600.00 300.00

SEL, Puttaparthy, Andhra Pradesh 708.67 354.33

Upgradation/modernization at International Cruise 1250.00 500.00Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai

18

1 2 3

Illumination of 3 additional monuments in Varanasi, UP 293.55 146.78{Dashawamedh Ghat to Darbhanga Ghat, Tulsi Mandir &Sarnath Museum}

JCP, Attari, wagha Border, Punjab 656.00 553.22

TOTAL 4628.87

46. Under the Scheme Assistance to Central Agencies, various projects with Ministry of Railways forTourism Infrastructure development are funded like the Joint Development of Tourist amenities at jointlyidentified Railway Stations wherein 26 Railway Stations have been approved for joint development oftourist amenities under 50:50 cost sharing basis; manufacture of Glass top coaches (Vistadome) anddevelopment of 3 Railway Station under Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. (KRCL).

47. The details of 26 Railway stations taken up for joint development are as under:

Table-7

Sl. No. Name of the Station Division(s) Railway Zone

1. Amritsar Firozepur NR

2. Rai-Bareilly Lucknow NR

3. Delhi Safdarjung Delhi NR

4. Varanasi Lucknow NR

5. Haridwar Moradabad NR

6. Kurukshetra Delhi NR

7. Trivandrum Trivandrum SR

8. Madurai Madurai SR

9. Rameshwaram Madurai SR

10. Gaya Mughalsarai ECR

11. Agra Cantt. Agra NCR

12. Ajmer Ajmer NWR

13. Jaipur Jaipur NWR

14. Puri Khurda Road ECoR

15. Hyderabad Hyderabad SCR

16. Aurangabad Nanded SCR

19

Sl. No. Name of the Station Division(s) Railway Zone

17. Nanded Nanded SCR

18. Tirupati Guntakal SCR

19. Hospet Hubli SWR

20. Kamakhya Lumding NFR

21. New Jalpaiguri Katihar NFR

22. Guwahati Lumding NFR

23. Rampurhat Howrah ER

24. Tarakeshwar Howrah ER

25. Chittorgarh Ajmer NWR

26. Dehradun Moradabad NR

48. The Committee recommends that these joint development projects should be implementedimmediately and more railway stations should be included for similar development. The Committeefeels that Railways can play a crucial role in promoting tourism in the country because of its widereach.

49. As regard projects under Assistance to Central Agencies for Infrastructure Development, the detailsof projects under taken by MOT, in and around ASI, Port Trust and ITDC controlled area are as under:

Table-8

(` in lakh)

Name of the project Sanctioned Cost Amount releasedof the project in 2017-18

1 2 3

SEL Show at Diu 775.54 465.32

Mormugao Port Trust, Goa 879.04 327.66(Completed)

Illumination at Sarnath & Varanasi 512.43 153.72

Cruise terminal building at Chennai Port Trust 1724.66 862.33(Completed)

SEL, Dal Lake 500.00 215.51

KanhojiAngre Lighthouse, Mumbai Port Trust 1500.00 750.00(Completed)

20

1 2 3

SEL, Yavindra Garden, Haryana 600.00 300.00

SEL, Puttaparthy, Andhra Pradesh 708.67 354.33

Upgradation/modernization at International Cruise 1250.00 500.00Terminal at Indira Dock, Mumbai

Illumination of 3 additional monuments in Varanasi, 293.55 146.78UP{Dashawamedh Ghat to Darbhanga Ghat, TulsiMandir & Sarnath Museum}

JCP, Attari, wagha Border, Punjab 656.00 553.22

TOTAL 4628.87

50. Funds sanctioned and released earlier to Central agencies is as below:

Table-9

(` in lakh)

Sl. State Name of the Project Executing Sanctioned AmountNo. Agency Amount Released

1. Kerala Development of a Walkway/ Cochin Port Trust 901.00 450.00Promende on Willingdon Island,Cochin

2. Kerala Upgradation of berths and backup Cochin port Trust 2141.00 433.06area of Ernakulam wharf

3. Kerala Project for upgradation of Golf Sports Authority of 2469.99 1232.49Course at Trivandrum Golf Club India

4. Haryana SEL, Yavindra Garden, Haryana ITDC 600.00 300.00

5. Uttar Pradesh Illumination at Sarnath & Varanasi ITDC 512.43 153.72

6. Andhra SEL, Puttaparthy, Andhra ITDC 708.67 354.33Pradesh Pradesh

7. Mumbai Upgradation/modernization at Mumbai Port Trust 1250.00 500.00International Cruise Terminalat Indira Dock, Mumbai

8. Uttar Illumination of 3 additional CPWD 293.55 146.78Pradesh monuments in Varanasi, UP

(Dashawamedh Ghat toDarbhanga Ghat, Tulsi Mandir& Sarnath Museum)

9. Punjab JCP, Attari, Wagha Border, BSF 656.00 553.22Punjab

21

51. During 2018-19, the on-going projects of previous years will be given priority for funding. Newprojects for which proposals are received will be considered subject to availability of funds and theproposals meeting the provisions of the Scheme guidelines and liquidation of Utilization Certificate ofearlier projects The Projects that have been sanctioned in 2017-18 will be undertaken in 2018-19.

52. The Committee suggests that the money allotted to various Central agencies by the Ministryof Tourism should be utilized only to promote tourism rather than other activities of the agencies.The Committee recommends that the Ministry should ensure that the projects undertaken underthe scheme should be completed within the stipulated time. The Committee also recommendsthat there should be monitoring done at regular intervals to check the progress of the projectsand that if there is any bottlenecks at the administrative level for the scheme, it should beproperly revisited and necessary corrective measures should be taken at the earliest.

MARKET RESEARCH

53. The BE allocation for Market Research for 2017-18 was ` 6.00 crore, which was enhanced to` 10.99 crore at RE stage. In order to meet the research based requirements additional budget of ` 4.99Crore has been given by re-appropriation. The actual expenditure under Market Research ProfessionalServices (MR-PS) Scheme during 2017-18 till 05.02.2018 is ` 5.47 Cr.

54. The BE allocation of ` 10.99 crore for market research in 2017-18 has been drastically reducedto ` 4.00 crore for 2018-19. Regarding the reasons for the steep cut in the allocations proposed in 2018-19, the Ministry have stated that activities undertaken under Market Research Professional Services(MRPS) Scheme are mostly need based or based on the proposal received from the various organisationsfrom time to time. Initial allocation has been made based concurrent requirements, however, additionalfunds can be allocated based on requirement through supplementary demands or through re-appropriationfrom appropriate head.

55. Activities relating to Market Research and Statistics proposed under Market Research ProfessionalServices (MRPS) Scheme for the year 2018-19 are as below:

(i) Bringing out annual statistical publications namely

a. India Tourism Statistic at a Glance 2018 (600 hard copies and 200 CDs)

b. India Tourism Statistic 2018 (600 hard copies and 200 CDs)

(ii) Bringing out Annual Report of Ministry of Tourism (3000 copies)

(iii) Finalizing the draft report of the 3rd Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) of India 2015-16 andInterim Report of Regional TSA of all States/Union Territories

(iv) Finalizing Study on Employment Level and Skill Gap Analysis in Hospitality & Allied Sectors

(v) Providing financial assistance to States / Union Territories for conducting surveys/ studies ontourism

(vi) Providing financial assistance to Central Universities and Institutes of the Ministry for conductingconferences, seminars, bringing out journals, etc.

22

56. The Committee notes that the activities undertaken under the head "Market Research"mainly concentrate on activities other than market research to promote tourism. The Committeedesires that the Ministry should engage tourism professional to identify the potential bottlenecksand problems of various tourism places and tourism related policies. Such researches should leadto innovations and improvements in promotion of tourism. The Committee feels that we shouldspend more money on development of infrastructure which should necessarily follow from suchstudies and surveys. The Committee therefore, recommends that the Ministry may inform theCommittee about the outcome of these market research and how the Ministry had been benefitedin the area of policy making for development of Tourism. The Committee is of the view that theGovernment and industry need to work together towards tourism development across the country.Hiring people from the industry who are professionals/experts in their field will greatly help inthe proper implementation of the projects undertaken by the Ministry for tourism developmentespecially to implement the new initiatives undertaken by the Ministry.

BUDDHIST CIRCUIT

57. The Committee was informed that the Buddhist Circuit has been identified as one of the fifteenthematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The projects for developmentunder the scheme are identified in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations and aresanctioned subject to availability of funds, liquidation of pending utilization certificates, submission ofsuitable Detailed Project Report (DPR) and adherence to the scheme guidelines.

58. Ministry has sanctioned five projects for ` 361.97 Crore under the Buddhist Circuit theme coveringthe States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. There is no circuit wisebudget allocation under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Ministryof Road Transport and Highways and National Highway Authority of India is developing waysideamenities at following three sites in the Buddhist Circuit in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar:

Table-10

Sl. No. Route National Highway State

1. Varanasi-Gaya NH-2 Bihar

2. Gorakhpur-Kushinagar NH-28 Uttar Pradesh

3.a. Kushinagar-Gaya Road NH-28 Uttar Pradesh

b. Gaya-Kushinagar Road NH-28

59. Ministry is working on Detailed Perspective Plan for Development of Interstate Buddhist Circuit inthe country. An Advisory Committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Hon'ble Minister forTourism which includes members from other concerned central ministries like Ministry of Road Transportand Highways, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Railways etc. and otherstakeholders which includes Hoteliers, Tour Operators and Buddhist Experts to identify the gaps indevelopment of the circuit. A meeting of the committee was held on 11th January 2018. Based on inputs

23

received, Ministry is taking up the matter with the concerned ministries to address the issues ofconnectivity and better facilities for the tourist at Buddhist sites.

60. The details of projects sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme under the Buddhist circuittheme are as under:

Table-11

Sl. Name of Year of Project Name Amt. Amt.No. State Sanction Sanctioned Released

1. Madhya Pradesh 2016-17 Development of Buddhist Circuit in Sanchi- 74.94 14.99Satna-Rewa-Mandsaur-Dhar in MadhyaPradesh

2. Uttar Pradesh 2016-17 Development of Buddhist Circuit-Srawasti, 99.97 19.99Kushinagar, & Kapilvastu in Uttar Pradesh

3. Bihar 2016-17 Construction of Cultural Centre adjacent to 98.73 19.75Maya Sarovar on the western side atBodhgaya, Bihar

4. Gujarat 2017-18 Development of Buddhist Circuit: Junagadh- 35.99 7.20Gir-Somnath-Bharuch-Kutch-Bhavnagar-Rajkot-Mehsana in Gujarat under SwadeshDarshan Scheme

5. Andhra Pradesh 2017-18 Development of Buddhist Circuit: Shalihundam- 52.34 10.47Thotlakonda- Bavikonda-Bojjanakonda-Amravati-Anupu in Andhra Pradesh under the theme ofBuddhist Circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

6. Odisha 2017-18 The State Government of Odisha has - -submitted a concept proposal forDevelopment of Dhaulgiri-Udaygiri-Ratnagairi-Langudi-Lalitgiri underBuddhist Circuit and same is underconsideration.

TOTAL 361.97 72.4

All above projects are under implementation stages. The time line of the projects varies from 18-36months.

61. The Committee is aware that Kushinagar is one of the important places with vast potential fordevelopment as a tourism destination. Kushinagar is the resting place of Lord Buddha. There are fivebasic places associated with Lord Buddha. First is Lumbini where he was born, second is Bodh Gayawhere he was enlightened, third is Saranath, Varanasi where he delivered his first discourse, fourth is

24

Shravasti where he lived his entire life, and fifth is kushinagar, the most pious place where Lord Buddhaattained nirvana. Thus, Kushinagar is the resting place of Lord Buddha. There is a reclining statue ofLord Buddha which is 23 feet long and belonges to the era of 5th Century AD. There are 45 croreBuddhists in the world who want to come to kushinagar and Buddhist Circuit once in their lifetime. Thereis a need for rail, road and air connectivity for this destination. The Committee recommends that theGovernment should make every effort to provide the required facilities to Kushinagar and otherimportant places related to Buddha.

62. The Committee has also noted that there is an important site linked to Buddhism at Gocharan, Dist24 Parganas in West Bengal. It contains Buddhist ruins dating back to 5th Century AD. These placescontain 22 Buddhist Stupas and ancient furnace in which smiths used to melt silver, copper and iron tocast them into coins. The Government of West Bengal's State Archaeological Survey Department hastaken it up for development as a tourism centre. The Committee recommends that the Ministry ofTourism, Government of India should consider to include Gocharan as one of the places whichcan be developed under Buddhist Circuit.

63. The Committee appreciates the steps being taken by the Ministry for development ofInterstate Buddhist Circuit in the country. Buddhist Circuits is one of most promising circuitswith large potential for development. Buddhist sites are rich in traditions and places of spiritualsignificance. As a result, a large number of people from all over the world visit these places, andhence there is a need to develop these places and provide facilities to visitors. The Committee,however, wonders whether the allocation for Buddhist Circuits in BE 2018-19 is adequate fordevelopment of such massive project.

64. The Committee feels that the full potential of temples and Buddhist sites in the East andNorth East and famous temples in the south have not been explored to the fullest. Majority ofthe tourist spots in the country are not accessible to the tourists, both domestic and foreign. Thisis because of high costs of travelling, poor connectivity and a series of permissions required forvarious reasons. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry must address theissues of connectivity and better facilities for the tourists at Buddhist sites. The Committee feelsthat we have to focus on those areas which possess touristic/ historic/ religious importance, andare not connected by rail, road and air. The proper connectivity will further help to increaseforeign exchange earnings from foreign tourists which can further help in development of thatarea.

PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY

OVERSEAS PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY INCLUDING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

65. The "Incredible India 2.0" campaign marks a shift from generic promotions undertaken across theworld to market specific promotional plans and content creation. The Campaign covers the importantsource markets for Indian tourism and also takes into account emerging markets with significant potential.Thematic creatives on different Niche products including Spiritual and Wellness are being produced for

25

use in the campaign. Incredible India 2.0 campaign has been launched in the International Markets in thecurrent financial year. The Campaign will be amplified in the next financial year i.e. 2018-19. The sizeof the campaign is also increased to have India's Presence in global market for longer duration. Themedium of Television and outdoor advertising is being used for the high reach offered by this medium,whereas in the print media publications directly targeting potential travelers would be used for theCampaign. Greater focus is on Digital Media and enhanced presence on Social Media Platforms. Therenewed, focused, targeted and market oriented strategy with the aim of increase in tourist footfalls inthe country and also increase in the foreign exchange earnings by India Tourism overseas offices willneed more budgetary support to achieve the aims. The Ministry is re-organizing its offices to identifymain source markets contributing to foreign tourist arrivals by consolidating its 14 overseas IndiaTourism offices into 8 offices. These offices would be located to function as global marketing hubs tocover various important source markets enable them to be more focused and result oriented.

66. The National Productivity Council under the aegis of the Ministry of Commerce has evaluated theongoing Overseas Promotion and Publicity including Marketing Development Assistance and hasrecommended that the scheme will need additional funds during the next three financial years.

67. The Committee notes that Overseas Promotion and Publicity including Market DevelopmentAssistance has been allocated `̀̀̀̀ 454.24 crore in BE 2018-19 against `̀̀̀̀ 297.59 crore in RE2017-18 whereas the actual expenses under the head in 2016-17 was `̀̀̀̀ 194.44 crore. The Committeenotes that the size of the campaign is increased to have India's Presence in global market forlonger duration. Tourism campaigns, like Incredible India 2.0 Campaign, are not only economictools designed to augment tourist revenues, but they also provide a privileged platform foradvancing geopolitical interests through affective and symbolic means. We need to spend moremoney on infrastructure and lesser on advertising. It should not be a case of raising highexpectations with our campaigns but the experience not matching up.

68. The Committee, therefore, recommends that allocation made under this head should beutilized scrupulously for continuing the overseas campaign so that more foreign tourists areattracted and in turn help foreign exchange earnings. The Committee again recommends thatthe Government must have a re-look into the necessity of various tourism promotion officesabroad and the efficacy of various officials under Overseas Promotion and Publicity. The Committeealso may be furnished with country-wise details of the spending of the Budget Estimate of`̀̀̀̀ 454.24 crore which the Ministry of Tourism has proposed under Overseas Promotion andPublicity. The Committee reminds that the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign and the publicity andpromotion activities should concentrate more on younger generations and the generations next.

DOMESTIC PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY INCLUDING MARKET DEVELOPMENTASSISTANCE

69. Tentative component-wise break-up of the activities proposed to be undertaken under the schemeis as under:

26

Table-12

Sl. No. Component Approx./ JustificationTentativeallocationof funds

(` in Crore)

1. Media Campaigns and 70.00 The Ministry of Tourism undertakes variousadvertising activities promotional activities to promote tourism destinations

& products with focus on North East Region, J&K,lesser known destinations etc. and undertakes socialawareness promotional activities including campaignon Swachchata. Different media such as Television,Print, electronic/online, outdoor etc. are used toundertake these campaigns.

2. Events 30.00 This includes Organizing Bharat Parv, Paryatan Parv,Participation in Exhibition, conference, financialsupport to important events having potential topromote tourism etc.

3. Promotion to Niche 5.00 The Ministry of Tourism has guidelines to promoteTourism Products Niche Tourism products such as golf, polo, adventure

tourism etc.

4. CFA to States/UTs for 8.00 Central Financial Assistance is provided to States/Tourism Promotion UTs to promote tourism products/destination and to

organize fairs and festivals having potential to createtourism avenues.

5. Production of publicity 10.00 The Ministry of Tourism produces various tourismmaterial, collaterals + collaterals including brochures, maps, creatives, films,payment to creative agency promotional calendars etc. in order to promote tourism

to and within the country.

6. Funds to Domestic Offices for 10.00 Domestic Offices of the Ministry of TourismTourism Promotion (TP), Window undertake various promotional activities in the areasDisplay (WD) and Hospitality falling under their jurisdiction.

7. Miscellaneous promotional 2.00 Depending on the opportunities available to promoteactivities tourism.

135.00

70. The above is tentative allocation for different activities proposed to be undertaken under the scheme'Domestic Promotion and Publicity including Hospitality (DPPH)'. The actual expenditure would depend

27

on proposals received/considered and actual activities undertaken. Further, in all cases, proposals foractivities to be undertaken would be processed separately as per relevant rules, for obtaining financialconcurrence and approval of the competent authority.

71. The Committee notes that the scheme has been allocated `̀̀̀̀ 135.00 crore in BE 2018-19against `̀̀̀̀ 90.00 crore in RE 2017-18. In view of the huge budget allocations for both overseasand domestic promotion projects the Committee recommends that there should be a review onthe spendings on the overseas and domestic promotion projects so as to ensure that funds do notgo wasted. The Committee is greatly concerned with the proper and fruitful utilization of funds.The Committee, therefore, recommends that the projects involving large amount of investmentshould be monitored carefully during the implementation stage itself to ensure that work iscompleted in time and investment made therein do not go waste. The Committee again emphasizesthat there is a need to spend more money on infrastructure and lesser on advertising.

TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

ASSISTANCE TO IHMS/FCI/IITM

72. BE for assistance to IHMs/FCIs/IITTMs/NIWS was reduced from ` 95.00 crore to ` 90.00 crorein RE stage in 2017-18. Budget allocation of ` 85.00 crore has been made for BE 2018-19. Ministry havestated that the requirement of funds for the ongoing projects was reviewed at the RE stage and keepingin view the requirement, the allocation was slightly reduced from ` 95 Crore to ` 90 Crores. Theallocation will be utilized primarily for meeting requirement of funds for the ongoing projects. Newprojects would be sanctioned on the basis of proposals received from the States/UTs which conform toScheme guidelines subject to availability of funds and liquidation of pending Utilization Certificates, if any.Periodic review of the projects will be made for execution and completion of the projects adhering tothe timelines prescribed for the projects.

73. The Committee notes the cuts made in the allocation for assistance to IHMs/FCIs/IITTMs/NIWS. The budgetary allocations shows that total allocations could not be utilized by the end ofthe Plan period. This is disappointing mainly because Ministry of Tourism is underutilizing thefund meant for skill development at a time when India is faced with huge shortage of trainedand skilled people in the tourism and hospitality industry. While the Committee is happy thatthe Ministry have been taken steps to ensure the utilization of the aforesaid funds the Committeestrongly feels that we must have functional linkages with need of the industry and academicinstitutions specially IHMS, IITM, CCI, NIWS, etc.

74. Regarding the number of IHMS/FCIs/IITTMs in the country and the proposals to establish newinstitutes for skill development in the tourism industry the Ministry have stated that as of now, there are42 Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs), comprising 21 Central IHMs and 21 State IHMs, and 11 FoodCraft Institutes (FCIs), which have come up with the support of the Ministry. In addition Ministry alsoset up the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management at Gwalior with its branches at Noida,Nellore, Goa and Bhubneshwar. The Ministry is also establishing the Indian Culinary Institute at twocentres viz. Tirupati and NOIDA and the buildings for these institute are nearing completion. The last

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State IHM established was at Bodhgaya in 2014, FCI Rewa in 2017, IITTM Nellore in 2011. TheMinistry has also decided to set up branches of IITTM at Guwahati and Bodhgaya and also planning anew Campus of IHM Bhopal.

75. The Committee is happy to note the focused approach and opening of more institutes forthe purpose. The Committee, however, recommends that the new training institutes proposed tobe opened in the coming years should be on the actual requirement of manpower in each stream.The Committee also recommends that the States which have performed well in promotion oftourism should get priority while selecting the places for opening such institutes. The Committeealso recommends that private sector participation wherever unavoidable, need to be regulatedand controlled suitably if they fail to achieve the requisite standard.

TOURISM POLICE

76. The Ministry of Tourism through IITTM had conducted a study titled "Functioning of Tourist Policein States/UTs and Documentation of Best Practices". In this study report IITTM had recommendedintroduction of the Tourist Police with uniforms sporting Incredible India Logo for the safety andsecurity of the tourists. It had also been recommended that the Tourist Police should work under thecontrol of District Police Administration of the concerned State with policing power exclusively formaintaining the safety and security of tourist. At present, a total number of 14 States have deployed thetourist police namely Delhi, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala,Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Telanganain one form or the other. 'Police' and 'Public order' being the state subject, it is the primary responsibilityof the concerned State Governments/Union Territory administrations.

77. The Committee feels that although tourist police has been officially deployed by severalstates, the objective is likely to be achieved once it is strengthened further. In many of thetourist destinations the tourism police personnel are not visible. The safety of foreign as well asdomestic travelers is a serious concern that needs to be addressed promptly. The states that havenot deployed tourist police need to take this up on priority, and the ones that already have doneso need to monitor and improve its effectiveness.

CAPACITY BUILDING FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

78. For 2018-19 thrust has been given to infrastructural Scheme of Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD andPublicity & Promotion resulting in less allocation for Scheme Capacity Building for Service Providers.

79. The activities proposed with the allocations of ` 30.00 crore in FY 2018-19 are given in table below:

Table-13

Roadmap for the Scheme of "Capacity Building For Service Providers" (CBSP) in 2018-19

Year Hunar Se Rozgar Skill Testing & Other Programmes Total No. ofTak (No. of persons Certification (No. (No. of persons to Persons to be

to be trained) of persons to be trained) trainedbe trained)

2018-19 11034 20000 4800 35834

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80. The reasons for cut in the allocations and under utilization under the Scheme of CBSP in 2017-18owes itself to the fact that the guidelines of "Hunar Se Rozgar Tak" and "Skill Testing & Certification"programmes, had to be suspended for revision in consultation with Ministry of Skill Development andEntrepreneurship (MSDE) to bring our guidelines in conformity with their Common Norms and NationalSkill Qualification Framework (NSQF). This programme could recommence with the revised guidelinesand NSQF aligned courses only from July/August this year after the Revised "Hunar Se Rozgar Tak" and"Skill Testing and Certification" programme Guidelines were circulated in the June, 2017.

81. The Committee notes that the allocation of `̀̀̀̀ 30.00 crore for capacity building for serviceproviders during BE 2018-19 has been reduced to almost half of the BE of 2017-18 i.e. `̀̀̀̀ 65.00crore. Also, there is a steep cut in the allocations from BE `̀̀̀̀ 65.00 crore to `̀̀̀̀ 46.95 crore at REstage during 2017-18. The Committee is not convinced with the justification put forth by theMinistry that for 2018-19 thrust has been given to infrastructural Scheme of Swadesh Darshan,PRASHAD and Publicity & Promotion resulting in less allocation for Scheme capacity Buildingfor Service Providers. The Committee again expresses its distress because Ministry of Tourismis under-utilizing the fund meant for skill development at a time when there is huge shortageof trained and skilled people in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Committee, therefore,recommends that the Ministry should take steps to provide allocation adequate enough to meetthe requirement of trained personnel to serve the increasing tourism potential of the country.

NORTH EAST

82. As per direction of Ministry of Finance 10% of the scheme allocation has to be earmarked for NorthEastern Region. Therefore, ` 203.43 Crore i.e. 10% of BE 2018-19 of ` 2034.27 has been earmarkedfor development of North-Eastern Region. The project wise details of the funds allocated are as follow:

(i) Swadesh Darshan: ` 183.43 crore

(ii) Domestic Promotion & Publicity: ` 15.00 crore

(iii) Assistance to IHMs/FCIs/NCHMCT etc.: ` 5.00 crore

83. The activities proposed to be undertaken during 2018-19 would be as under:

(i) Swadesh Darshan: Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme Ministry has sanctioned 14 projectsin North Eastern Region (NER) for ` 1267.43 crores covering all eight states. Work on all theprojects are at implementation stage. During 2018-19, Ministry would be releasing subsequentinstalment of funds for these projects. In addition, Ministry would also be sanctioning 2-3 newprojects for NER region during 2018-19.

(ii) Publicity: The Ministry of Tourism would utilize a minimum of 10% of the budget allocatedunder DPPH head towards promotion of North East of India. This shall include release ofcampaigns to promote North East of India in the domestic market to attract more number oftourists to NE region of the country.

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(iii) Assistance to IHMs/FCIs/NCHMCT etc:- Major activities in NE region includes setting upof Applied Training Centre (ATC) and up-gradation and modernization of theory and practicallaboratories in IHM Shillong, infrastructural development works at IHM Guwahati and settingup of IITTM at Guwahati.

84. The Committee appreciates the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism fordevelopment of the North East Region. The Committee notes that the North Eastern States aregetting adequate funds and recommends that the Ministry of Tourism should seek activeparticipation from the States to get more projects implemented. The North East Region holdsbetter opportunities to attract more number of tourists both domestic and foreign. Stateinfrastructure development is of utmost necessary for all sorts of development and StateGovernments must be encouraged for sustainable tourism in the North Eastern States.

CENTRAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

85. The Ministry of tourism extends Central Financial Assistance to the State Governments and UnionTerritories Administration for organizing fairs and festivals from the tourism point of view as per theproposal submitted by them. Hence, there are no allocations of funds as such. Details of States whichwere provided Central Financial Assistance during 2017-18 as per the proposal submitted by them areas under:

Table-14

(` in lakh)

State/UTs Name of Festival Amountreleased

1 2 3

Gujarat CFA for Run Utsav, Gujarat (2016-17) 25.00

Kerala Home stay and Rural Tourism Travel Meet 2017 at Ernakulum, 50.00Kerala on 15-17 September, 2017Sargalaya International Art & Crafts Festival-2017-18President Trophy Boat Race

Himachal Pradesh International Kullu Dussehra Festival-2017 25.00

Chandigarh World Tourism day 27th Sep., 2017 (10.00 lakh) 30.00

Chandigarh Carnival (Nov. 2016) (10.00 lakh)

Rose Festival (Feb, 2017) (10.00 lakh)

Punjab 142th Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Sammellan at Jallandhar 20.00Hola Mohalla at Anandpur Sahib

Telangana 3rd International Kite Festival during Jan.-2018 20.00

Tamil Nadu India Dance Festival at Mamallapuram-2017-18 25.00

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1 2 3

Haryana Pinjore Festival (Dec., 2017) 40.00(25+15)Surajkund (Feb., 2018)

Sikkim CFA for Celebration of Fairs and Festival

(1) Red Panda Winter festival, Gangtok-during December, 50.002017-` 25.00 lakh

(2) World Tourism Day, Gangtok-27th September, 2017-` 25.00 lakh of Sikkim 2017-18

Arunachal Pradesh CFA for Celebration of Fairs and Festival -

(1) Tawang Festival-28th to 31st Dec. 2017- ` 20.00 lakh 40.00

(2) Menchuka Adventure Festival-7th to 9th Nov. 2017-` 10.00 lakh

(3) Orange Festival Dambuk 15th to 18th Dec. 2017-` 10.00 lakh

Assam CFA for celebration of fairs and festival

(1) Rass Mahotsav, Majuli-Nov. 2016-` 20.00 lakh 35.00

(2) Bodo National Festival-Feb. 2016-` 5.00 lakh

(3) Rongali Festival-March-2017 ` 10.00 lakh of Assam2016-17

Nagaland CFA for organizing festivals:

1. Rengm'sNgadah Festival- 27th Nov. 2017 to 28th Nov.2017-` 12.50 lakh

2. Hornbill festival-1st December, to 10th Dec. 2017- 50.00` 25.00 lakh Sekrenyi Festival

Manipur CFA for

(1) Manipur Sangai Festival-21st Nov. to 30th Nov. 50.002017-` 25.00 lakh and "Youth Adventure

(2) Water Sports Festival Nov. Month 2017-` 25.00 lakh.

Meghalaya CFA for the fairs and festivals

1. Wangala Dance - 9th to 11th Nov. 2017 ` 12.50 lakh 50.00

2. Nongkrem dance Festival 2017- 10th and 11thDecember, 2017 - ` 12.50 lakh

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1 2 3

3. Lasubon Festival- Festival- 1st week Nov.2017-`25.00 Lakh

Mizoram Central Financial Assistance for the Celebration of Winter 50.00Festival - 23rd Nov. to 25th Nov. 2017- `25.00 lakh

Uttar Pradesh CFA for Shilpotsav, Noida- 6th October, 2017 to 15th 50.00October, 2017- `25.00 lakh

Uttar Pradesh Organizing a two day seminar on Cultural/ TourismDevelopment on 27th and 28th November, 2017 atNaimisharanya in district Sitapur - `25.00 lakh

Madhya Pradesh Central Financial Assistance for the Celebration of (1) 50.00Pachmarhi Utsav, Pachmarhi- Dec. 2017- `10.00 lakhs

(2) Jal Mahotsav, Hanuwantia -15th Oct. 2017 to 2nd Jan.2017- -`25.00 lakhs in the State of Madhya Pradesh inthe year 2017-18.

Madhya Pradesh Celebration of Khajuraho Dance Festival (20th Feb. 2018 to26th Feb. 2018) in the State of Madhya Pradesh in the year2017-18 -`15.00 lakh

86. The Committee appreciates the activities/ initiatives undertaken by the States/ UTs anddesires that other States would also hold such activities/ fairs/ festivals in their regions. Theseactivities are the manifestation of the traditions and culture of the local people of the regionwhich the Committee strongly feels should be kept alive. The Committee, therefore, recommendsthat the Ministry should encourage the positive enthusiasm shown by the states and extend allfinancial assistance to them. Further, Government should also ensure that the benefits of tourismgrowth reach the weaker sections of society.

RURAL CIRCUIT

87. There is no state-wise budget allocation under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The projects under thescheme are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, liquidation of pending utilization certificates againstthe funds released earlier, submission of suitable Detailed Project Report and adherence to the relevantscheme guidelines. Ministry has sanctioned the project 'Development of Bhitiharwa- Chandrahia-Turkauliain Bihar' under Rural Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2017-18 for `44.65 crore and hasreleased first installment of ` 8.93 crore.

88. The Committee notes that the Government has sanctioned only one Rural Circuit Themeof Swadesh Darshan Scheme since the inception of the Scheme in the year 2014-15. The Committeefeels that the Rural Tourism needs to be given impetus by identify more Rural Circuit Themeof Swadesh Darshan Scheme and by allocating funds for the Rural Tourism projects for State.

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Villages should be identified for priority development involving the local bodies in the management.The Committee, therefore, recommends the Ministry to focus development of rural tourisminfrastructure involving local community in order to promote tourism in rural area and percolateits socio-economic benefit there. The Committee would like to reiterate that Government has totake concrete action to ensure that the benefits of tourism growth under "pro-poor approach"should reach the weaker sections of society.

FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVALS

89. The Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India has registered double digit growth of 15.6% in2017over 2016. The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India during 2016 and 2017 was 8.8 millionand 10.18 million (provisional), respectively.

90. The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India from the neighbouring countries during 2016, 2017is given below:

Table-15

Countries 2016 2017 (P)

Bangladesh 13,80,409 21,70,406

Sri Lanka 2,97,418 3,06,609

China 2,51,313 2,49,651

Nepal 1,61,097 1,65,740

Pakistan 1,04,720 89,692

Myanmar 51,376 57,438

Bhutan 20,940 25,420

P: Provisional

91. The number of Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India during peak and non-peak seasons is given below:

Table-16

Year Peak Season Non Peak Season Total FTAs

4th Quarter 1st Quarter 3rd Quarter 2nd Quarter(Oct-Dec) (Jan-Mar) (July-Sep) (Apr-June)

2015 24,11,956 22,81,015 17,70,401 15,63,761 80,27,133(30.0%) (28.4%) (22.1%) (19.5%)

2016 26,41,425 25,02,422 19,94,122 16,66,442 88,04,411(30.0%) (28.4%) (22.6%) (18.9%)

2017 30,56,897 28,44,638 22,35,011 20,40,702 1,01,77,248(P) (30.0%) (28.0%) (22.0%) (20.0%)

P: Provisional

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92. The Visa fee is fixed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Ministry of Tourism has no informationof lowering visa fees in lean season.

As per the Twelfth Five Year Plan Document of the then Planning Commission, it was recommendedthat India should strive to increase its share in Global Foreign Tourist Arrivals to 1% by the end of theyear 2016.

Share of India's Foreign Tourist Arrivals in World Tourism Arrivals during 2016 was 0.71%.

Share of India's International Tourist Arrivals in World Tourist Arrivals during 2016 was 1.18%.

93. Some of the factors responsible for Foreign Tourist Arrivals in any country, including India, areeconomic conditions of the source and destination countries, air connectivity, etc.

The initiatives taken by the Government to boost tourism in the country are as follows:

• Extended the facility of e- Visa for the citizens of 163 countries.

• Launched campaigns in the international and domestic markets to promote the various tourismproducts and destinations through an integrated marketing and promotional strategy.

• Launched 24x7 Toll Free Multi-Lingual Tourist Helpline 1800111363 in 12 Languages.

• Launched Incredible India 2.0 campaign with market specific promotional plans and contentcreation.

• Constituted Medical and Wellness Tourism Promotion Board.

• Provided Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments/Union TerritoryAdministrations for development and promotion of tourism.

94. The Committee notes that 2016-17 has been a very good in terms of foreign tourist arrivalsand international tourist arrivals, but, when compared with other countries, India's performanceleaves much to be desired. India's foreign exchange earning from tourism has followed a similarpattern. When they are here, tourists are clearly willing to spend; but they are simply notcoming here in adequate numbers. Committee feels that this may be mainly due to India's manyproblems, such as cumbersome visa regulations, bad travel infrastructure, poor sanitation, collapsinglaw enforcement systems and concerns about women's safety. The Committee, therefore,recommends that the Ministry should address these issues and take them up urgently with therespective Departments/ Ministries.

EXCLUSIVE ZONES IN PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) MODE

95. Pursuant to Budget announcements of 2017-18 the Ministry of Tourism has initiated action onformulation of scheme guidelines for development of five Special Tourism Zones in the country withfollowing objectives:

• To position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and job creation;

• Promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods in the identifiedregions;

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• Enhancing the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner by developing world classinfrastructure;

• Should create both direct and indirect employment.

• Create livelihood and improved living standards for the local community.

• Overall development of the area

• To leverage the advantages in terms of available infrastructure, culture and unique facets ofevery region.

96. A consultation meeting in this regard was held with the stakeholders which included central Ministries/Departments, State Governments/Union Territory Administrations and Private sector in September 2017.The Ministry is in the process of seeking approval of Ministry of Finance for the scheme.

97. The Committee appreciates the initiative taken by the Ministry of tourism for formulationof scheme guidelines for development of five Special Tourism Zones. Tourism not only createsjobs in the tertiary sector, it also encourages growth in primary and secondary sectors of industry.Hence, Government should encourage the participation of the private sector in a big way for allround development of the tourism sector that has the potential to act as the key driver ofinclusive growth. The Committee, however, recommends that private sector participation whereverunavoidable, needs to be regulated and controlled suitably. The Committee, further, recommendsthat the five Special Tourism Zones should spread across various parts of the country. TheCommittee desires that the Ministry should keep the Committee updated on the progress of thescheme.

98. The Committee further recommends that the Ministry of Tourism should hold consultationwith local stakeholders such as dhaba owners, restaurants, travel agents, etc. so as to encourageand promote local skills, local cuisine and local dance and art.

ECO TOURISM

99. Ministry of Tourism under its Swadesh Darshan scheme for integrated development of circuits haveintroduced the Eco circuit as one of the thematic circuits. In developing the Eco Tourism circuit, thegoal is to enable people to enjoy and learn about the natural, historical and cultural characteristics ofunique environments, while preserving the integrity of those sites and stimulating the economic developmentopportunities in local communities. The Ministry has so far sanctioned five projects worth ` 469.90Crores under the Eco circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan.

100. The Committee feels that unregulated tourism activities at several tourist spots, includingsome heritage sites in the country, are adversely affecting the ecological balance in those places.In Committee's view if proper values regarding the indigenous people and environment arefollowed and road and rail network is put in place the industry may grow in a healthy way. Itis also necessary that things are not done hazardously and these will not misbalance the naturein the name of tourism development.

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CRUISE TOURISM

101. With regard to the Action Plan laid down for developing Cruise Tourism in India and the list ofstates/UTs from which proposals for development of cruise facilities were received by the Ministryduring 2017-18, the Ministry of Tourism have stated that a Task Force has been constituted withSecretary (Tourism) as the Chairman and Secretary (Shipping) as the Co-Chairman. The Task Forceconsists of representatives from the ports, Ministries of Health, Home Affairs, External Affairs, Customs,CISF, Coastal States etc. The Task Force meets regularly and has formulated Standard OperatingProcedure (SOP) to be followed by the various agencies for handling of cruise ships. The Task Forcehas reviewed the SOPs and updated them into the SOP version 2 which is to be used for the cruiseseason 2017-18. On the recommendation of the Task Force, Ministry of Shipping and Ministry ofTourism have jointly appointed a consultant for preparing Action Plan and detailed road map for thedevelopment of Cruise Tourism in India. The Consultants have submitted their report which containsmany recommendations for making India a preferred destination both for Sea and River Cruise. The TaskForce has accepted the report and has decided to engage a Project Management Consultant to monitorits implementation. No project has been sanctioned for development of cruise facilities to States duringthe year 2017-18.

102. The Committee notes the reply of the Ministry. The Ministry may provide the Committeethe details of the Consultant appointed for the purpose. The Committee may be provided thedetails of the recommendations made by the Consultant in his Report for making India apreferred destination both for Sea and River Cruise. The Committee may be kept apprised ofthe progress of implementation and any other developments in this regard.

CONVERGENCE

103. Ministry of Tourism takes up resolution of inter-Ministerial issues for the development of tourismsector through Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on Tourism Sector (IMCCTS) constituted underthe Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary. Several issues such as e-Tourist Visa, Relaxation of RestrictedArea Permits and Protected Area Permits, Seamless Connectivity, Wi-Fi provisions at Tourist Monuments,Connectivity to major Tourist Destinations etc. have been taken up through the IMCCTS. Some of theissues which have been resolved through IMCCTS are:

(a) Extension of Visa for additional countries

(b) Compilation of International Tourist Arrivals by including the NRI arrival figures with FTAfigure

(c) Matters related to e-Tourist Visa

(d) Extending e-Medical Visa

(e) Translation of Indian Visa form in foreign languages

(f) Allow satellite phones for development of adventure tourism

(g) Requirement of funds for Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan (PMRP) Projects in the Stateof Jammu & Kashmir

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(h) Provision of funds for honouring the commitments made by Hon'ble PM under Bihar package

(i) Acquisition of land required for the project completion of Terminal Building at Leh Airport

(j) Relaxation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) limit

(k) The entire States of Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland have been excluded from the ProtectedAreas Regime for a further period of five years till 31.12.2022 (applicable for both domesticand foreign tourists except nationals from Afghanistan, China and Pakistan; for whom permitswill be required as per security procedure)

(l) Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Surveyof India (ASI) has launched 'Adopt a Heritage' Project for providing civic amenities/touristfacilities at the monuments/tourist sites through participation of public/private sector companiesand individuals

(m) Wi-Fi facility provided at 90 tourist sites

(n) Projects pertaining to upgradation of railway stations jointly with Ministry of Railways areunder implementation

104. The Committee notes that the tourism is multi-disciplinary activity and cannot be developedat its own. The Committee feels that there is a need to strengthen the system for effectivefunction and close coordination amongst various Department and Ministries of the Governmenti.e. Railways, Urban Development, Civil Aviation, Shipping and Road Transport and Highways,Home, Finance etc. The Committee, therefore, recommends that there should be better linkages,interface and coordination amongst various Departments and Ministries so as to increase awarenessabout tourism and its social and economic impact in the society.

MEDICAL TOURISM

105. While Ministry of Tourism does not maintain any data regarding the growth of India's medicaltourism vis-a-vis other countries, Ministry of Commerce informs that as per a FICCI-IMS KnowledgePaper titled, 'Medical Value travel in India: Enhancing value in MVT', published in 2016, India is amongstthe top 6 MVT (Medical Value Travel) destinations of the world which include Thailand, Singapore, India,Malaysia, Taiwan and Mexico (India ranked third in the world in 2015).

106. Ministry of Tourism has recognized Medical and Wellness Tourism as Niche Tourism Products forpromotion. The following initiatives have been undertaken to promote Medical and Wellness Tourism inthe Country:

(a) The Ministry offers financial support as Marketing Development Assistance, for Publicity, andfor organizing Wellness and Medical Tourism Promotion shows as well as workshop/events/seminars to accredited Medical and Wellness Tourism Service Providers and Chambers ofCommerce, etc.

(b) A film on Medical Tourism has been produced in association with BBC and is used at variousfora for promotional purposes.

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(c) Medical and Medical attendant visa has been introduced to ease the travel process of MedicalTourists. The e-tourist visa regime has been expanded to include medical visits as well. It hasalso been decided to set up facilitation counters at the major airports of Delhi, Mumbai,Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Bengaluru for tourists arriving on Medical Visas.

(d) A National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board has been constituted to provide a dedicatedinstitutional framework to take forward the cause of promotion of Medical and WellnessTourism including Ayurveda and any other format of Indian system of medicine covered byAyurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH).

(e) The Ministry of Tourism website links to the Healthcare Portal www.indiahealthcaretourism.com,maintained by the Services Export Promotion Council of India, which is a single sourceplatform providing comprehensive information to medical travelers on the top healthcareinstitutions in the country in English, Arabic, Russian and French.

107. The Ministry of Tourism promotes tourism products in India in an holistic manner and there areno states selected for development of any tourism product including Medical Tourism.

108. Indian system of medicine and nature cure has been adopted all over the world. The HealthCare Sector in our country has much strength to offer the world the best facilities. It is emergingas one of the countries offering cost effective world-class medical facilities and has alreadystarted attracting patients from all over the world. It is known to promote positive health,natural beauty and long life. The Committee, therefore, recommends the Ministry to take allsteps to tap quality and standardization of medical services besides promoting India as holistichealth destinations globally. There is huge potential of Ayurveda related wellness care in Keralawhich can be promoted through overseas market promotion and publicity.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATION

WAYSIDE AMENITIES

109. Wayside Amenities are very poor on majority of the roads connecting important touristdestinations and at tourist destinations. The Ministry of Tourism should take initiatives to studythe requirement of wayside amenities at important tourist destinations and measures can betaken under Swatch Bharat Mission. The Committee notes that some initiatives have been takenby authorities to construct toilets etc. at various places, however, these remain unused mainlybecome tourists hardly stop at these isolated places. The Committee, therefore, recommends thatwayside amenities may be provided at places where Dhabas and Restaurants are available for thetourists. The local bodies may also be roped in and provided financial assistance to providewayside amenities which will be a great help for the travelling public and the tourists.

TRAINING CAB DRIVERS AND PREVENTING TOUTS

110. The hospitality and tourism sector is very sensitive to unruly behavior of service providersespecially the employees of hotels and restaurants, cab drivers etc. The behavior of the driverat many of the tourism place are unacceptable as they used to act as agents of various hotels

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and restaurants and coerce the tourist to choose unwanted hotels and restaurants. In this processthey are fleeing the tourists. This is happening at all the railway Station and bus terminals ofthe tourist destinations especially in Jaipur. In many areas touts and untrained tourists guidesalso misguide the tourists and cheating them. The Committee recommends that the Governmentshould take every initiative under the capacity building programmes to train the cab drivers tobe tourist friendly and prevent the touts at tourist destinations. The Committee feels that wemust all realize that one unpleasant trip to India can actually become a great disadvantage fortourism. Committee specially highlighted the often rude and annoying behavior of cab/taxidrivers. Committee feels that Government and industry need to work together to create stronghospitality and tourism development across the country.

SEA PLANE

111. The Committee notes that though the concept is not new there is great potential in seaplane tourism. It is one of the creative ways to encourage tourism. Committee is aware thatcommercial sea planes have been experimented in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and in Kerala.In Kerala in fact the Government promoted Sea plane activity had to be abandoned due toopposition from the fisherman community. The Committee recommends that Sea Plane has greatpotential but it should take the help of local communities and ensure that their livelihoods arenot affected.

ADOPT A HERITAGE

112. The Committee is aware that many of the key monuments even those under the controlof ASI, are without basic amenities like clean drinking water, toilet, interpretation centers,cleanliness etc. The Committee was informed that to overcome those deficiencies the Govt. hastaken an initiative called adopt a Heritage. There is no expenditure outflow from the Budget forthe initiative. Under adoption of Heritage the Govt. is calling for expression of integrate fromall corporations, State Corporations, NGOs etc. to adopt a particular tourist site, whether it isASI's site or any other site, and asking them to take the responsibility of not only creating basicamenities but also taking care of maintenance. The Committee was further informed that theorganization/corporate are making their detailed plans for improvement of infrastructure andbasic amenities at some of the key tourist sites which they have adopted. The Committee notesthat the initiative of Adopt a Heritage is a welcome step on the part of the Ministry of Tourism.The Committee recommends that under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) major corporatemay be compelled to adopt heritage sites. The Committee also recommends that the detailedplans for improvement of infrastructure and basic amenities have to be laid down by the Ministry/Govt. agencies and it should not be left at the discretion of the organization which are adoptingthe Heritage sites. Experience and experimentation in the initial two or three projects will makeall the difference in planning for other future projects that the Ministry will take up fordevelopment. The Committee also feels that to make a project a world class experiencebench-marking is a must.

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RECOMMENDATIONS/OBSERVATIONS — AT A GLANCE

The Committee appreciates the initiatives of the Ministry. The Committee is, however,dismayed to note that there is no fund allocation to any of the above niche products; nor anyconcrete and specific proposals on the part of the Ministry to promote any of the niche tourisminitiatives. The Committee reminds that the Ministry should formulate clear policies andprogrammes along with required fund allocations to implement the projects. (Para 7)

ANALYSIS OF TWELFTH FIVE YEAR PLAN

The Committee observes that the average utilization of funds by Ministry of Tourism during12th Five Year Plan is `̀̀̀̀ 5297.14 Crore which is 90.44% of Revised Estimates (RE) and 68.17 %of Budget Estimates (BE). The total allocation for the Twelfth Year Plan shows a reduction to`̀̀̀̀ 5857.37 at RE stage out of which `̀̀̀̀ 5297.14 was utilized. The Committee further notes thatduring the Twelfth Five Year Plan, the budget allocation was reduced every year except in2016-17 when the budget allocation was enhanced at the RE stage as shown in the Table. TheCommittee notes that reduction of budget at RE happens due to various reasons such as lackof proper plans and projects to utilize the BE, inefficient handling of ongoing projects,under-utilization of BE during the first two quarters of the financial year etc. The Committee,therefore, suggests that the Ministry should inquire into the reasons of reduction at RE stagesduring the 12th Year Plan period and take remedial measures accordingly for better planning infuture. The Committee does not see any reason for reducing the allocations. Tourism is thelargest service industry with a fair share of contribution to GDP and the total employment in thecountry. The Committee is of the considered view that the Ministry of Tourism should make allefforts to utilize the allocated funds so that the future development plans of the Ministry oftourism may progress as proposed by the Ministry and contribute to employment generation.

(Para 9)

ANALYSIS OF DEMANDS FOR GRANTS 2018-19

The Committee notes the various steps taken by the Ministry of Tourism and hopes thatall these efforts would go a long way to develop diverse tourism industry in the forthcomingyears. (Para 21)

The Committee notes that the reduction at RE stage happens due to handling of projectsand schemes by the Ministry in an unprofessional manner. The Committee recommends that thereasons for reduction at RE be identified and corrective measures be taken during 2018-19 whileimplementing the schemes as projected by the Ministry while seeking allocation of funds fromthe Ministry of Finance. (Para 22)

ANNUAL PLAN 2018-19

SWADESH DARSHAN

The Committee notes that a total of 67 projects were sanctioned under the Swadesh DarshanScheme during the last four years (i.e., 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18) with a total

40

41

project cost of `̀̀̀̀ 5648.03 crores out of which an amount of `̀̀̀̀ 2148.17 crores has been released.The Committee is aware that many of the projects may not be completed in a single financialyear. Still the Committee feels that the utilization of funds which is a direct indication of thephysical achievements of the projects is very poor and unsatisfactory. The Committee, therefore,recommends that the Ministry may take initiatives to ensure that the projects are implementedin a time bound manner. The Committee further recommends that the timelines of each of theprojects along with the physical and financial achievements may be furnished to the Committee.

(Para 30)

The Committee notes that during the year 2018-19 the Ministry aims to utilize the fundson completion of ongoing projects, sanctioning of new projects, development of Iconic Touristsites as per Budget Announcement of 2018-19 and Development of wayside amenities in populartourist circuits. The Committee finds that a majority of the projects undertaken for developmentunder the Swadesh Darshan are not in consistence with the State Tourism Policy. Both StateTourism Policy and the Centre Tourism Policy stands on its own and, there is no bridging. TheCommittee feels that there is a need of some sleeper to connect the two parallel rails. TheCommittee notes that there is lack of effective coordination between the Centre and States forthe implementation of various tourism projects and policies. The Committee desires that aregular and permanent mechanism is required between the Centre and the States for the growthof tourism in the country. (Para 31)

The Committee also recommends that the Ministry of Tourism should monitor the progressof the projects regularly so that the projects do not lag behind as the Committee fears that slowpaces in progress of the Swadesh Darshan Projects may result in cost over runs and result indemand for extra allocations which would further delay the completion of projects. The Committee,therefore, recommends that the Ministry should ensure that the projects are completed withinthe stipulated time. (Para 32)

PRASHAD

The Committee notes the projects and funds sanctioned to various States. The Committeeis very much concerned about the possibility of delay in completion of the projects. The Committee,therefore, recommends that projects received from the State Governments should be processed/sanctioned in time so as to avoid any delay and non-utilization of funds. The Committee furtherrecommends that the progress of these projects need to be monitored regularly to ensure thatthere is no delay and cost overrun in the projects. (Para 37)

The Committee is not happy with the progress made in the implementation of the PRASHADprojects in the States. The percentage financial progress of the majority of projects in variousStates gives a dismal picture. The Ministry should follow the existing norms strictly to ensurethe funds are utilized, as far as possible, evenly throughout the year. Since Tourism projects areimplemented by the States, there is need to sensitize them to ensure optimum utilization offunds and issuing user utilization certificates on time. The Ministry should make concertedefforts in coordination with the States to complete the projects in a time bound manner andwithout any further delay. (Para 40)

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The Committee wants the Ministry of Tourism to furnish the Committee with the project-wise details on the progress of each project along with the stipulated time-frame against thetargets fixed for each under the PRASHAD Scheme. (Para 41)

The Committee notes that out of the 23 projects sanctioned under the PRASHAD Scheme10 schemes are delayed. Even the projects sanctioned in the year 2015 could achieve only 2 to25% except one project in Punjab. Some of the projects could achieve the physical progress ofjust 2 or 3%. The Committee observes that much needs to be done for timely implementationof PRASHAD Scheme which is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Tourism. (Para 42)

The Committee is happy to note that the Ministry has taken action on its recommendationthat there should not be overlapping of same projects in those cases where the places werecovered under PIDDC and PRASHAD Schemes by ensuring while examining the proposal byProject Management Consultants (PMC) applying its DPR toolkit and also while considering theproposal by Mission Directorate (MD) and Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC)that the works/items covered under PIDDC are not included in the Project under PRASHADScheme. (Para 43)

The Committee also notes that Ujjain has been replaced with Omkareshwar as the pilgrimagedestination in Madhya Pradesh under the PRASHAD Scheme on the request of the Governmentof Madhya Pradesh. (Para 44)

ASSISTANCE TO CENTRAL AGENCIES

The Committee recommends that these joint development projects should be implementedimmediately and more railway stations should be included for similar development. The Committeefeels that Railways can play a crucial role in promoting tourism in the country because of its widereach. (Para 48)

The Committee suggests that the money allotted to various Central agencies by the Ministryof Tourism should be utilized only to promote tourism rather than other activities of the agencies.The Committee recommends that the Ministry should ensure that the projects undertaken underthe scheme should be completed within the stipulated time. The Committee also recommendsthat there should be monitoring done at regular intervals to check the progress of the projectsand that if there is any bottlenecks at the administrative level for the scheme, it should beproperly revisited and necessary corrective measures should be taken at the earliest.

(Para 52)

MARKET RESEARCH

The Committee notes that the activities undertaken under the head "Market Research"mainly concentrate on activities other than market research to promote tourism. The Committeedesires that the Ministry should engage tourism professional to identify the potential bottlenecksand problems of various tourism places and tourism related policies. Such researches should leadto innovations and improvements in promotion of tourism. The Committee feels that we shouldspend more money on development of infrastructure which should necessarily follow from such

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studies and surveys. The Committee therefore, recommends that the Ministry may inform theCommittee about the outcome of these market research and how the Ministry had been benefitedin the area of policy making for development of Tourism. The Committee is of the view that theGovernment and industry need to work together towards tourism development across the country.Hiring people from the industry who are professionals/experts in their field will greatly help inthe proper implementation of the projects undertaken by the Ministry for tourism developmentespecially to implement the new initiatives undertaken by the Ministry. (Para 56)

BUDDHIST CIRCUIT

The Committee recommends that the Government should make every effort to provide therequired facilities to Kushinagar and other important places related to Buddha. (Para 61)

The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India shouldconsider to include Gocharan as one of the places which can be developed under Buddhist Circuit.

(Para 62)

The Committee appreciates the steps being taken by the Ministry for development of Inter-State Buddhist Circuit in the country. Buddhist Circuit is one of most promising circuits withlarge potential for development. Buddhist sites are rich in traditions and places of spiritualsignificance. As a result, a large number of people from all over the world visit these places, andhence there is a need to develop these places and provide facilities to visitors. The Committee,however, wonders whether the allocation for Buddhist Circuits in BE 2018-19 is adequate fordevelopment of such massive project. (Para 63)

The Committee feels that the full potential of temples and Buddhist sites in the East andNorth East and famous temples in the south have not been explored to the fullest. Majority ofthe tourist spots in the country are not accessible to the tourists, both domestic and foreign. Thisis because of high costs of travelling, poor connectivity and a series of permissions required forvarious reasons. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Ministry must address theissues of connectivity and better facilities for the tourists at Buddhist sites. The Committee feelsthat we have to focus on those areas which possess touristic/historic/religious importance, andare not connected by rail, road and air. The proper connectivity will further help to increaseforeign exchange earnings from foreign tourists which can further help in development of thatarea. (Para 64)

PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY

OVERSEAS PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY INCLUDING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

The Committee notes that Overseas Promotion and Publicity including Market DevelopmentAssistance has been allocated `̀̀̀̀454.24 crore in BE 2018-19 against `̀̀̀̀ 297.59 crore in RE2017-18 whereas the actual expenses under the head in 2016-17 was `̀̀̀̀ 194.44 crore. The Committeenotes that the size of the campaign is increased to have India's presence in global market forlonger duration. Tourism campaigns, like Incredible India 2.0 Campaign, are not only economic

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tools designed to augment tourist revenues, but they also provide a privileged platform foradvancing geopolitical interests through affective and symbolic means. We need to spend moremoney on infrastructure and lesser on advertising. It should not be a case of raising highexpectations with our campaigns but the experience not matching up. (Para 67)

The Committee, therefore, recommends that allocation made under this head should beutilized scrupulously for continuing the overseas campaign so that more foreign tourists areattracted and in turn help foreign exchange earnings. The Committee again recommends thatthe Government must have a re-look into the necessity of various tourism promotion officesabroad and the efficacy of various officials under Overseas Promotion and Publicity. The Committeealso may be furnished with country-wise details of the spending of the Budget Estimate of`̀̀̀̀454.24 crore which the Ministry of Tourism has proposed under Overseas Promotion and Publicity.The Committee reminds that the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign and the publicity and promotionactivities should concentrate more on younger generations and the generations next.

(Para 68)

The Committee notes that the scheme has been allocated `̀̀̀̀ 135.00 crore in BE 2018-19against `̀̀̀̀ 90.00 crore in RE 2017-18. In view of the huge budget allocations for both overseasand domestic promotion projects the Committee recommends that there should be a review onthe spendings on the overseas and domestic promotion projects so as to ensure that funds do notgo wasted. The Committee is greatly concerned with the proper and fruitful utilization of funds.The Committee, therefore, recommends that the projects involving large amount of investmentshould be monitored carefully during the implementation stage itself to ensure that work iscompleted in time and investment made therein do not go waste. The Committee again emphasizesthat there is a need to spend more money on infrastructure and lesser on advertising.

(Para 71)

TRAINING AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

ASSISTANCE TO IHMS/ FCI/ IITM

The Committee notes the cuts made in the allocation for assistance to IHMs/FCIs/IITTMs/NIWS. The budgetary allocations shows that total allocations could not be utilized by the end ofthe Plan period. This is disappointing mainly because Ministry of Tourism is underutilizing thefund meant for skill development at a time when India is faced with huge shortage of trainedand skilled people in the tourism and hospitality industry. While the Committee is happy thatthe Ministry have been taken steps to ensure the utilization of the aforesaid funds the Committeestrongly feels that we must have functional linkages with need of the industry and academicinstitutions specially IHMS, IITM, CCI, NIWS, etc. (Para 73)

The Committee is happy to note the focused approach and opening of more institutes forthe purpose. The Committee, however, recommends that the new training institutes proposed tobe opened in the coming years should be on the actual requirement of manpower in each stream.The Committee also recommends that the States which have performed well in promotion of

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tourism should get priority while selecting the places for opening such institutes. The Committeealso recommends that private sector participation wherever unavoidable, need to be regulatedand controlled suitably if they fail to achieve the requisite standard. (Para 75)

TOURISM POLICE

The Committee feels that although tourist police has been officially deployed by severalStates, the objective is likely to be achieved once it is strengthened further. In many of thetourist destinations the tourism police personnel are not visible. The safety of foreign as well asdomestic travelers is a serious concern that needs to be addressed promptly. The States that havenot deployed tourist police need to take this up on priority, and the ones that already have doneso need to monitor and improve its effectiveness. (Para 77)

CAPACITY BUILDING FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

The Committee notes that the allocation of `̀̀̀̀ 30.00 crore for capacity building for serviceproviders during BE 2018-19 has been reduced to almost half of the BE of 2017-18 i.e. `̀̀̀̀ 65.00crore. Also, there is a steep cut in the allocations from BE `̀̀̀̀ 65.00 crore to `̀̀̀̀ 46.95 crore at REstage during 2017-18. The Committee is not convinced with the justification put forth by theMinistry that for 2018-19 thrust has been given to infrastructural Scheme of Swadesh Darshan,PRASHAD and Publicity and Promotion resulting in less allocation for Scheme capacity Buildingfor Service Providers. The Committee again expresses its distress because Ministry of Tourismis underutilizing the fund meant for skill development at a time when there is huge shortageof trained and skilled people in the tourism and hospitality industry. The Committee, therefore,recommends that the Ministry should take steps to provide allocation adequate enough to meetthe requirement of trained personnel to serve the increasing tourism potential of the country.

(Para 81)

NORTH EAST

The Committee appreciates the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism fordevelopment of the North East Region. The Committee notes that the North Eastern States aregetting adequate funds and recommends that the Ministry of Tourism should seek activeparticipation from the States to get more projects implemented. The North East Region holdsbetter opportunities to attract more number of tourists both domestic and foreign. Stateinfrastructure development is of utmost necessary for all sorts of development and StateGovernments must be encouraged for sustainable tourism in the North Eastern States.

(Para 84)

CENTRAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Committee appreciates the activities/ initiatives undertaken by the States/ UTs anddesires that other States would also hold such activities/ fairs/ festivals in their regions. Theseactivities are the manifestation of the traditions and culture of the local people of the regionwhich the Committee strongly feels should be kept alive. The Committee, therefore, recommends

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that the Ministry should encourage the positive enthusiasm shown by the States and extend allfinancial assistance to them. Further, Government should also ensure that the benefits of tourismgrowth reach the weaker sections of society. (Para 86)

RURAL CIRCUIT

The Committee notes that the Government has sanctioned only one Rural Circuit Themeof Swadesh Darshan Scheme since the inception of the Scheme in the year 2014-15. The Committeefeels that the Rural Tourism needs to be given impetus by identify more Rural Circuit Themeof Swadesh Darshan Scheme and by allocating funds for the Rural Tourism projects for State.Villages should be identified for priority development involving the local bodies in the management.The Committee, therefore, recommends the Ministry to focus development of rural tourisminfrastructure involving local community in order to promote tourism in rural area and percolateits socio-economic benefit there. The Committee would like to reiterate that Government has totake concrete action to ensure that the benefits of tourism growth under "pro-poor approach"should reach the weaker sections of society. (Para 88)

FOREIGN TOURIST ARRIVALS

The Committee notes that 2016-17 has been very good in terms of foreign tourist arrivalsand international tourist arrivals, but, when compared with other countries, India's performanceleaves much to be desired. India's foreign exchange earning from tourism has followed a similarpattern. When they are here, tourists are clearly willing to spend; but they are simply notcoming here in adequate numbers. Committee feels that this may be mainly due to India's manyproblems, such as cumbersome visa regulations, bad travel infrastructure, poor sanitation, collapsinglaw enforcement systems and concerns about women's safety. The Committee, therefore,recommends that the Ministry should address these issues and take them up urgently with therespective Departments/Ministries. (Para 94)

EXCLUSIVE ZONES IN PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) MODE

The Committee appreciates the initiative taken by the Ministry of Tourism for formulationof scheme guidelines for development of five Special Tourism Zones. Tourism not only createsjobs in the tertiary sector, it also encourages growth in primary and secondary sectors of industry.Hence, Government should encourage the participation of the private sector in a big way for allround development of the tourism sector that has the potential to act as the key driver ofinclusive growth. The Committee, however, recommends that private sector participation whereverunavoidable, needs to be regulated and controlled suitably. The Committee, further, recommendsthat the five Special Tourism Zones should spread across various parts of the country. TheCommittee desires that the Ministry should keep the Committee updated on the progress of thescheme. (Para 97)

The Committee further recommends that the Ministry of Tourism should hold consultationwith local stakeholders such as dhaba owners, restaurants, travel agents, etc. so as to encourageand promote local skills, local cuisine and local dance and art. (Para 98)

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ECO TOURISM

The Committee feels that unregulated tourism activities at several tourist spots, includingsome heritage sites in the country, are adversely affecting the ecological balance in those places.In Committee's view if proper values regarding the indigenous people and environment arefollowed and road and rail network is put in place the industry may grow in a healthy way. Itis also necessary that things are not done hazardously and these will not misbalance the naturein the name of tourism development. (Para 100)

CRUISE TOURISM

The Committee notes the reply of the Ministry. The Ministry may provide the Committeethe details of the Consultant appointed for the purpose. The Committee may be provided thedetails of the recommendations made by the Consultant in his Report for making India apreferred destination both for Sea and River Cruise. The Committee may be kept apprised ofthe progress of implementation and any other developments in this regard. (Para 102)

CONVERGENCE

The Committee notes that the tourism is multi-disciplinary activity and cannot be developedat its own. The Committee feels that there is a need to strengthen the system for effectivefunction and close coordination amongst various Department and Ministries of the Governmenti.e. Railways, Urban Development, Civil Aviation, Shipping and Road Transport and Highways,Home, Finance etc. The Committee, therefore, recommends that there should be better linkages,interface and coordination amongst various Departments and Ministries so as to increase awarenessabout tourism and its social and economic impact in the society. (Para 104)

MEDICAL TOURISM

Indian system of medicine and nature cure has been adopted all over the world. The HealthCare Sector in our country has much strength to offer the world the best facilities. It is emergingas one of the countries offering cost effective world-class medical facilities and has alreadystarted attracting patients from all over the world. It is known to promote positive health,natural beauty and long life. The Committee, therefore, recommends the Ministry to take allsteps to tap quality and standardization of medical services besides promoting India as holistichealth destinations globally. There is huge potential of Ayurveda related wellness care in Keralawhich can be promoted through overseas market promotion and publicity. (Para 108)

GENERAL RECOMMENDATION

WAYSIDE AMENITIES

Wayside Amenities are very poor on majority of the roads connecting important touristdestinations and at tourist destinations. The Ministry of Tourism should take initiatives to studythe requirement of wayside amenities at important tourist destinations and measures can betaken under Swatchh Bharat Mission. The Committee notes that some initiatives have been

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taken by authorities to construct toilets etc. at various places, however, these remain unusedmainly become tourists hardly stop at these isolated places. The Committee, therefore, recommendsthat wayside amenities may be provided at places where Dhabas and Restaurants are availablefor the tourists. The local bodies may also be roped in and provided financial assistance to providewayside amenities which will be a great help for the travelling public and the tourists.

(Para 109)

TRAINING CAB DRIVERS AND PREVENTING TOUTS

The hospitality and tourism sector is very sensitive to unruly behavior of service providersespecially the employees of hotels and restaurants, cab drivers etc. The behavior of the driversat many of the tourist place is unacceptable as they used to act as agents of various hotels andrestaurants and coerce the tourist to choose unwanted hotels and restaurants. In this processthey are fleecing the tourists. This is happening at all the railway Station and bus terminals ofthe tourist destinations especially in Jaipur. In many areas touts and untrained tourists guidesalso misguide the tourists and cheat them. The Committee recommends that the Governmentshould take every initiative under the capacity building programmes to train the cab drivers tobe tourist friendly and prevent the touts at tourist destinations. The Committee feels that wemust all realize that one unpleasant trip to India can actually become a great disadvantage fortourism. Committee specially highlighted the often rude and annoying behavior of cab/taxidrivers. Committee feels that Government and industry need to work together to create stronghospitality and tourism development across the country. (Para 110)

SEA PLANE

The Committee notes that though the concept is not new there is great potential in seaplane tourism. It is one of the creative ways to encourage tourism. Committee is aware thatcommercial sea planes have been experimented in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and in Kerala.In Kerala in fact the Government promoted Sea plane activity had to be abandoned due toopposition from the fisherman community. The Committee recommends that Sea Plane has greatpotential but it should take the help of local communities and ensure that their livelihoods arenot affected. (Para 111)

ADOPT A HERITAGE

The Committee is aware that many of the key monuments even those under the controlof ASI, are without basic amenities like clean drinking water, toilet, interpretation centers,cleanliness etc. The Committee was informed that to overcome those deficiencies the Governmenthas taken an initiative called “Adopt a Heritage.” There is no expenditure outflow from theBudget for the initiative. Under adoption of Heritage the Government is calling for expressionof interest from all corporations, State Corporations, NGOs etc. to adopt a particular tourist site,whether it is ASI's site or any other site, and asking them to take the responsibility of not onlycreating basic amenities but also taking care of maintenance. The Committee was furtherinformed that the organization/corporate are making their detailed plans for improvement of

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infrastructure and basic amenities at some of the key tourist sites which they have adopted. TheCommittee notes that the initiative of Adopt a Heritage is a welcome step on the part of theMinistry of Tourism. The Committee recommends that under the Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) major corporates may be compelled to adopt heritage sites. The Committee also recommendsthat the detailed plans for improvement of infrastructure and basic amenities have to be laiddown by the Ministry/Government agencies and it should not be left at the discretion of theorganization which are adopting the Heritage sites. Experience and experimentation in the initialtwo or three projects will make all the difference in planning for other future projects that theMinistry will take up for development. The Committee also feels that to make a project a world-class experience bench-marking is a must. (Para 112)

MINUTES

XI

ELEVENTH MEETING

The Committee met at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, the 12th February, 2018 in Room No. 139, FirstFloor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

MEMBERS PRESENT

1. Shri Derek O'Brien — Chairman

RAJYA SABHA

2. Shri Ritabrata Banerjee

3. Kumari Selja

4. Shri Narendra Kumar Swain

5. Shri Vinay Dinu Tendulkar

LOK SABHA

6. Shri Ram Charitra Nishad

7. Km. Arpita Ghosh

8. Shri Rahul Kaswan

9. Shri P. Kumar

10. Shri Harish Chandra Meena

11. Shri Ramcharan Bohra

12. Shri Kristappa Nimmala

13. Shri Rajesh Pandey

14. Shri Shatrughan Sinha

15. Shri Manoj Tiwari

SECRETARIAT

Shrimati Sunita Sekaran, Director

Shri Swarabji B., Director

Shrimati Monica Baa, Additional Director

Shrimati Catherine John L., Under Secretary

Shrimati Anamika Das Bora, Committee Officer

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WITNESSES

* * *

Ministry of Tourism

1. Smt. Rashmi Verma, Secretary

2. Shri Satyajeet Rajan, Director General

3. Smt. Leena Nandan, AS and FA

4. Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairman and Managing Director

5. Shri Suman Billa, Joint Secretary

6. Shri Gyan Bhushan, Economic Advisor

7. Smt. Suman Bala, CFC

* * *

2. * * *

3. * * *

4. * * *

5. * * *

6. * * *

7. * * *

8. The Chairman welcomed the Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and other officials to the meeting.

9. The Ministry of Tourism made a detailed presentation on Demands for Grants before the Committee.The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, while making the presentation, informed the Committee that 15circuits have been identified for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. She apprised theCommittee that the Ministry is planning to identify five tourism zones and that 10 iconic zones have beenidentified for development. She elucidated upon the features of an initiative of the Ministry viz., Adopta Heritage. She narrated the steps taken to revamp the Incredible India website.

10. Members of the Committee also raised various queries which were replied by the Secretary. TheChairman directed that written replies to the points not answered, may be sent within a week.

11. A verbatim record of the proceedings of the meetings was kept.

12. The meeting adjourned at 4:20 P.M. to meet again on 20th February, 2018.

***Relate to other matters.

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XIII

THIRTEENTH MEETING

The Committee met at 2.30 P.M. on Thursday, the 1st March, 2018 in Committee Room 'D', GroundFloor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi.

MEMBERS PRESENT

1. Shri Derek O'Brien — Chairman

RAJYA SABHA

2. Shri Ritabrata Banerjee

3. Shri Rajeev Shukla

4. Shri Vinay Dinu Tendulkar

LOK SABHA

5. Km. Arpita Ghosh

6. Shri Rahul Kaswan

7. Shri P. Kumar

8. Shri Harish Chandra Meena

9. Shri Kristappa Nimmala

10. Shri Ram Kumar Sharma

11. Shri Kunwar Haribansh Singh

12. Shri Manoj Tiwari

SECRETARIAT

Shrimati Sunita Sekaran, Director

Shri Swarabji B., Director

Shrimati Monica Baa, Additional Director

Shrimati Catherine John L., Under Secretary

Shrimati Anamika Das Bora, Committee Officer

2. At the outset, the Chairman extended a very warm welcome to the Members of the Committee. Heinformed them that the agenda for the meeting is to consider and adopt the draft Reports of theCommittee on Demands for Grants (2018-19) of Ministries of Civil Aviation, Culture, Road Transportand Highways, Shipping and Tourism. The Committee, after some discussion, adopted the Reports ofthe Committee on Demands for Grants (2018-19) of the Ministries of Civil Aviation, Culture, Shippingand Tourism.

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3. The Committee suggested some minor changes in the draft Report on Demands for Grants(2018-19) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The Committee authorized the Secretariatto carry out the changes. The Committee, thereafter, adopted the draft Report on Demands for Grants(2018-19) of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways along with the modifications/additions.

4. The Committee decided to present/lay the Reports to both the Houses of Parliament on 6th March,2018. The Committee, accordingly, authorized its Chairman and in his absence, Shri Ritabrata Banerjee,M.P. and in his absence, Shri Vinay Dinu Tendulkar, M.P. to present the Reports in Rajya Sabha. ShriHarish Chandra Meena, M.P. and in his absence, Shri K.C. Venugopal, M.P. was authorized to lay theabove mentioned Reports on the Table of Lok Sabha on 6th March, 2018.

5. The meeting adjourned at 3:09 P.M.

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ANNEXURES

ANNEXURE-I

List of witnesses who appeared before the Department-related Parliamentary StandingCommittee on Transport, Tourism and Culture

12th February, 2018

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

1. Smt. Rashmi Verma Secretary

2. Shri Satyajeet Rajan Director General

3. Smt. Leena Nandan AS and FA

4. Smt. Ravneet Kaur Chairman and Managing Director

5. Smt. Meenakshi Sharma Assistant DG

6. Shri Suman Billa Joint Secretary

7. Shri Gyan Bhushan Economic Advisor

8. Smt. Suman Bala CFC

9. Ms. Aashima Mehrotra Director

10. Shri B.B. Dash Director

11. Smt. Mini Prasannakumar Director

ITDC

12. Shri Pradeep Kumar Das Director (F)

13. Shri Piyush Tiwari Director (C&M)

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ANNEXURE-II

Scheme-wise physical achievements for the year 2017-18 under the Swadesh Darshan -Integrated Development of Theme Based Tourist Circuits

Sl. No. State/UT Name of the Name of the Project Amount Amount PhysicalCircuit Sanctioned Released Progress

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Year 2014-15

1. Arunachal North-East Development of Mega Circuit at 49.77 36.18 60-85%Pradesh India Circuit Bhalukpong-Bomdila and Tawang

in Arunachal Pradesh.

2. Andhra Pradesh Coastal Circuit Development of Kakinada Hope 69.83 55.86 60-85%Island Konaseema as World ClassCoastal and Eco Tourism Circuit inAndhra Pradesh.

TOTAL 119.6 92.04

Year 2015-16

3. Manipur North-East Development of Tourist Circuit 89.66 61.32 60-85%India Circuit in Manipur: Imphal-Moirang-

Khongjom-Moreh.

4. Sikkim North-East Development of Tourist Circuit 98.05 71.57 60-85%India Circuit linking Rangpo (entry)-Rorathang-

Aritar-Phadamchen-Nathang-Sherathang-Tsongmo-Gangtok-Phodong-Mangan-Lachung-Yumthang-Lachen-Thangu-Gurudongmer-Mangan-Gangtok-TuminLingee-Singtam (exit) inSikkim.

5. Uttarakhand Eco Circuit Integrated Development of Eco- 80.37 64.30 60-85%Tourism, Adventure Sports,Associated Tourism relatedInfrastructure for Developmentof Tehri Lake and Surroundingsas New Destination-District Tehri,Uttarakhand.

6. Rajasthan Desert Circuit Development of Sambhar Lake 63.96 46.99 60-85%Town and Other Destinations inRajasthan under Desert Circuit.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7

7. Nagaland Tribal Circuit Development of Tribal Circuit Peren- 97.36 72.05 60-85%Kohima- Wokha, Nagaland

8. Madhya Pradesh Wildlife Circuit Development of Wildlife Circuit at 92.22 46.11 60-85%Panna- Mukundpur- Sanjay-Dubri-Bandhavgarh- Kanha-Mukki- Penchin Madhya Pradesh.

9. Andhra Pradesh Coastal Circuit Development of Coastal Tourism 59.70 44.30 60-85%Circuit in Sri PottiSriramalu Nelloreunder Swadesh Darshan Schemein Andhra Pradesh.

10. Telangana Eco Circuit Integrated Development of Eco 91.62 45.81 30-50%Tourism Circuit in Mahaboobnagardistrict, Telangana.

11. Kerala Eco Circuit Development of Pathanamthitta-Gavi- 90.06 49.61 60-85%Vagamon- Thekkady as Eco TourismCircuit in Idduki and PathanamthittaDistricts in Kerala.

12. Mizoram North East Integrated Development of New Eco 94.91 75.92 60-85%India Circuit Tourism under Swadesh Darshan-

North East Circuit at Thenzawl andSouth Zote, District Serchhip andReiek, Mizoram.

13. Assam Wildlife Circuit Development of Manas-Probitora- 95.67 43.05 30-50%Nameri- Kaziranga-Dibru- Saikhowaas Wildlife Circuit in Assam.

14. Puducherry Coastal Circuit Development of Union Territory of 85.28 38.43 30-50%Puducherry as Tourist Circuit underSwadesh Darshan Scheme (CoastalCircuit).

15. Arunachal North East Integrated Development of New 97.14 74.27 60-85%Pradesh India Circuit Adventure Tourism in Arunachal

Pradesh.

16. Tripura North East Development of North East Circuit : 99.59 49.79 30-50%India Circuit Agartala - Sipahijala -Melaghar -

Udaipur - Amarpur-Tirthamukh-Mandirghat-Dumboor- NarikelKunja-Gandachara- Ambassa in Tripura

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17. West Bengal Coastal Circuit Development of Beach Circuit: 85.39 42.69 30-50%Udaipur- Digha- Shankarpur-Tajpur-Mandarmani- Fraserganj-Bakkhlai-Henry Island in West Bengal

18. Chhattisgarh Tribal Circuit Development of Tribal Tourism 99.94 45.01 30-50%Circuit in Jashpur-Kunkuri-Mainpat-Ambikapur-Maheshpur-Ratanpur-Kurdar-Sarodadadar Gangrel-Kondagaon -Nathyanawagaon-JagdalpurChitrakoot- Tirthgarh inChhattisgarh.

19. Maharashtra Coastal Circuit Development of Sindhudurg 82.17 12.79 0-20%Coastal Circuit in Maharashtraunder Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

TOTAL 1503.09 884.01

Year 2016-17

20. Goa Coastal Circuit Development of Coastal Circuit 99.99 72.56 60-85%(Sinquerim-Baga, Anjuna-Vagator,Morjim-Keri, Aguada Fort andAguada Jail) in Goa.

21. Jammu and Himalayan Integrated Development of Tourism 82.97 41.48 30-50%Kashmir Circuit Infrastructure Projects in the State

of Jammu and Kashmir.

22. Telangana Tribal Circuit Integrated Development of Mulugu- 84.40 38.37 30-50%Laknavaram-Medavaram- Tadvai-Damaravi-Mallur- Bogatha Waterfallsas Tribal Circuit in Telangana.

23. Meghalaya North East Development of Umium (Lake View), 99.13 44.61 30-50%Circuit U Lum Sohpetbneng Mawdiangdiang-

Orchid Lake Resort, Meghalaya.

24. Madhya Pradesh Buddhist Development of Buddhist Circuit in 74.94 14.99 30-50%Circuit Sanchi-Satna-Rewa-Mandsaur-Dhar

in Madhya Pradesh.

25. Kerala Spiritual Circuit Development of Sabarimala-Erumeli- 99.99 20.00 0-20%Pampa-Sannidhanam as a SpiritualCircuit in District Pathanamthitta,Kerala.

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26. Karnataka Coastal Circuit Development of Coastal Circuit 95.67 19.13 0-20%in Dakshin Kannada Distt., UttarKannada Distt. & Udupi Distt. inKarnataka.

27. Manipur Spiritual Circuit Development of Spiritual Circuit- 53.80 24.24 30-50%Shri Govindajee Temple, Shri BijoyGovindajee Temple - Shri GopinathTemple-Shri Bungshibodon Temple-Shri Kaina Temple, Manipur.

28. Gujarat Heritage Circuit Development of Heritage Circuit 93.48 18.70 0-20%in Ahmedabad- Rajkot-Porbandar-Bardoli- Dandi in Gujarat.

29. Haryana Krishna Circuit Development of Tourism 97.35 19.47 30-50%Infrastructures at places relatedto Mahabharata in Kurukshetra,Haryana.

30. Rajasthan Krishna Circuit Integrated Development of Govind 91.45 41.78 30-50%Dev ji temple (Jaipur), KhatuShyam Ji (Sikar) and Nathdwara(Rajsamand) in Rajasthan.

31. Sikkim North East Development of Tourist Circuit 95.32 19.06 30-50%India Circuit Linking Singtam- Maka- Temi-

BermoikTokel- Phongia-Namchi -Jorthang- Okharey-Sombaria-Daramdin- Jorethang-Melli (Exit)in Sikkim.

32. Madhya Pradesh Heritage Circuit Development of Heritage Circuit 99.77 19.95 30-50%(Gwalior-Orchha-Khajuraho-Chanderi-Bhimbetka-Mandu) Madhya Pradesh.

33. Kerala Spiritual Circuit Development of Sree Padmanabha 92.44 44.75 30-50%Arnamula-Sabrimala-as a SpiritualCircuit in Kerala.

34. Bihar Spiritual Circuit Development of Jain Circuit:Vaishali- 52.39 24.06 30-50%Arrah-Masad-Patna-Rajgir-Pawapuri-Champapuri as Spiritual Circuit inBihar.

35. Bihar Spiritual Circuit Integrated Development of Kanwaria 52.35 24.05 30-50%Route: Sultanganj - Dharmshala-Deoghar under Spiritual circuit inBihar.

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36. Odisha Coastal Circuit Development of Gopalpur, Barkul, 76.49 15.30 0-20%Satapada and Tampara as Coastalcircuit in Odisha.

37. Nagaland Tribal Circuit Development of Tribal circuit 99.67 49.83 30-50%(Mokokchung-Tuensang-Mon)in Nagaland.

38. Uttarakhand Heritage circuit Integrated Development of Heritage 81.94 16.39 0-20%Circuit in Kumaon Region-Katarmal-Jogeshwar-Baijnath-Devidhura inUttarakhand.

39. Jammu and Himalayan Integrated Development of Tourist 96.38 44.78 30-50%Kashmir Circuit Facilities at Jammu-Rajouri-Shopian-

Pulwama under Himalayan Circuittheme in J&K.

40. Jammu and Himalayan Integrated Development of Tourist 98.70 47.25 60-85%Kashmir Circuit Facilities under the Construction of

Assets in lieu of those Destroyedin Floods in 2014 under PMDevelopment Package for J&K.

41. Jammu and Himalayan Integrated Development of Tourist 97.82 19.56 0-20%Kashmir Circuit facilities at Mantalai-Sudhmahadev-

Patnitop under Himalayan CircuitTheme in J&K.

42. Jammu and Himalayan Integrated Development of Tourist 96.39 44.52 30-50%Kashmir Circuit Facilities at Anantnag-Kishtwar-

Pahalgam - Daksum - RanjitSagarDam under Himalayan CircuitTheme in J&K.

43. Jammu and Himalayan Integrated Development of Tourist 96.93 19.38 0-20%Kashmir Circuit Facilities at Gulmarg-Baramulla-

Kupwara-Leh Circuit underHimalayan Circuit Theme in J&K.

44. Uttar Pradesh Buddhist Development of Buddhist Circuit - 99.97 19.99 0-20%Circuit Srawasti, Kushinagar, and Kapilvastu

in Uttar Pradesh.

45. Uttar Pradesh Ramayana Development of Chitrakoot and 69.45 13.89 0-20%Circuit Shringverpur as Ramayana Circuit

in Uttar Pradesh.

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46. Andaman and Coastal Circuit Development of Coastal Circuit 42.19 8.44 0-20%Nicobar Islands (Long Island-Ross Smith Island-

Neil Island- Havelock Island-Baratang Island-Port Blair) inAndaman and Nicobar underCoastal thematic circuit ofSwadesh Darshan Scheme.

47. Tamil Nadu Coastal Circuit Development of Coastal Circuit 99.92 19.98 0-20%(Chennai- Mamamallapuram -Rameshwaram - Manpadu -Kanyakumari) in Tamil Naduunder Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

48. Uttar Pradesh Spiritual Circuit Development of Spiritual Circuit 76.00 15.20 0-20%(Shahjahanpur-Basti- Ahar-Aligarh-Kasgunj - Sarosi-Pratapgarh-Unnao-Kaushambi-Mirzapur-Gorakpur-Kairana-Doamriyagunj- Bagpat-Barabanki- Azamgarh).

49. Uttar Pradesh Spiritual Circuit Development of Spiritual Circuit -II 62.96 12.59 0-20%(Bijnor- Meerut- Kanpur-KanpurDehat- Banda- Ghazipur-Salempur-Ghosi-Balia-Ambedkar Nagar-Aligarh-Fatehpur-Deoria-Mahoba-Sonbhadra-Chandauli- Mishrikh-Bhadohi) inUttar Pradesh under SwadeshDarshan Scheme.

50. Uttar Pradesh Heritage Circuit Development of Heritage Circuit 41.51 8.30 0-20%(Kalinjar Fort (Banda)-Marhar Dham(SantKabir Nagar)-ChauriChaura,Shaheed Sthal (Fatehpur)-MavaharSthal (Ghosi)- Shaheed Smarak(Meerut) in Uttar Pradesh underSwadesh Darshan Scheme.

51. Bihar Buddhist Circuit Development of Buddhist circuit- 98.73 19.75 0-20%Construction of Cultural Centreat Bodhgaya, Bihar.

52. Assam Heritage Circuit Development of Tezpur-Majuli - 98.35 19.67 0-20%Sibsagar as Heritage Circuit inAssam under Swadesh Darshanscheme.

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53. Himachal Pradesh Himalayan Integrated Development of 99.76 19.95 0-20%Circuit Himalayan Circuit in Himachal

Pradesh under SwadeshDarshan scheme.

54. Mizoram Eco Circuit Development of Eco-Adventure 99.07 44.63 30-50%Circuit Aizawl -Rawpuichhip -Khawhphawp - Lengpui-Durtlang-Chatlang-Sakawrhmuituaitlang -Muthee-Beratlawng-Tuirial Airfield-Hmuifang under Eco circuit themeof Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

55. Rajasthan Spiritual Circuit Development of Spiritual Circuit- 93.90 18.78 0-20%Churu (SalasarBalaji)- Jaipur (ShriSamode Balaji, Ghatke Balaji,Bandheke Balaji)-Alwar (PandupoleHanumanji, Bharathari)- Viratnagar(Bijak, Jainnasiya, Ambika Temple)-Bharatpur (Kaman Region)-Dholpur(Muchkund) -MehandipurBalaji-Chittorgarh (Sanwaliyaji) inRajasthan under Swadesh Darshanscheme.

56. Gujarat Heritage Circuit Development of Heritage circuit: 99.81 44.91 60-85%Vadnagar- Modhera and Patan inGujarat under Swadesh DarshanScheme

TOTAL 3191.38 1010.29

Year 2017-18

57. Bihar Rural Circuit Development of Gandhi Circuit: 44.65 8.93 0-20%Bhitiharwa-Chandrahia-Turkauliain Bihar under Rural Circuit themeof Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

58. Goa Coastal Circuit Development of Coastal Circuit II: 99.35 19.87 0-20%Rua De Orum Creek-Don Paula-Colva - Benaulim in Goa underSwadesh Darshan Scheme.

59. Gujarat Buddhist Circuit Development of Buddhist circuit: 35.99 7.20 0-20%Junagadh- Gir-Somnath- Bharuch-Kutch- Bhavnagar- Rajkot-Mehsanain Gujarat under Swadesh Darshanscheme.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7

60. Puducherry Heritage Circuit Development of Heritage Circuit 66.35 13.27 0-20%in Puducherry under SwadeshDarshan Scheme.

61. Puducherry Spiritual Circuit Development of Spiritual Circuit 40.68 8.14 0-20%in Puducherry under SwadeshDarshan Scheme.

62. Rajasthan Heritage Circuit Development of Heritage Circuit 99.60 19.92 0-20%(Rajsamand (Kumbhalgarh Fort)-Jaipur (Nahargarh Fort)- Alwar(Bala Quila) - Sawai Madhopur(Ranthambore Fort and KhandarFort) - Jhalawar (Gagron Fort) -Chittorgarh (Chittorgarh Fort)Jaisalmer (Jaisalmer Fort)Hanumangarh (Kalibangan, BhatnerFort and Gogamedi)-Jalore (JaloreFort)- Udaipur (Pratap GauravKendra)- Dholpur (Bagh-i-Nilofarand Purani Chawni)- Nagaur (MeeraBai Temple) in Rajasthan underSwadesh Darshan Scheme.

63. Telangana Heritage Circuit Development of Heritage Circuit: 99.42 19.88 0-20%QutubShahi Heritage Park- PaigahTombs- Hayat Bakshi Mosque-Raymond's Tomb in Telanganaunder Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

64. Bihar Spiritual Circuit Development of Mandar Hill &Ang 53.49 10.70 0-20%Pradesh under Spiritual Circuittheme of Swadesh DarshanScheme.

65. Madhya Pradesh Eco Circuit Development of Gandhisagar Dam- 99.62 19.92 0-20%Mandleshwar Dam-OmkareshwarDam- Indira Sagar Dam- Tawa Dam-Bargi Dam-BhedaGhat- BansagarDam- Ken River under Eco circuittheme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

66. Uttar Pradesh Ramayana Development of Ayodhya under 133.31 23.53 0-20%Circuit Ramayana Circuit theme of Swadesh

Darshan Scheme.

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7

67. Andhra Pradesh Buddhist Development of Buddhist Circuit: 52.34 10.47 0-20%Circuit Shalihundam-Thotlakonda-Bavikonda-

Bojjanakonda-Amravati- Anupu inAndhra Pradesh under the themeof Buddhist Circuit of SwadeshDarshan Scheme

TOTAL 824.8 161.83

GRAND TOTAL TILL DATE 5638.87 2148.17

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ANNEXURE-III

Details of the Projects sanctioned and funds realized under the PRASHADScheme 2017-18 till date

The following projects under the PRASHAD Scheme have been sanctioned and funds released in2017-18 till date:

Sl. No. Name of the project Sanctioned Released(` in crore) (` in crore)

Madhya Pradesh

1. Development of Omkareshwar 40.67 8.13

Andhra Pradesh

2. Development of Srisailam Temple in the State 47.45 9.49of Andhra Pradesh under PRASHAD Scheme

3. Development of River cruise 10.71 2.14

Maharashtra

4. Development of Trimbakeshwar, District Nasik 37.81 As per revised guidelines,the 1st instalment (30%)

will be released aftertendering process.

Uttar Pradesh

5. Development of Varanasi II under PRASHAD 62.82 As per revised guidelines,Scheme the 1st instalment (30%)

will be released aftertendering process.

TOTAL 19.76

69

70

ANNEXURE-IV

Details of the funds released for ongoing projects under the PRASHADScheme in the year 2017-18

An amount of ` 66.87 crore has been released in the year 2017-18 for the following ongoingprojects under the PRASHAD Scheme:

Sl. No. Name of the project Released(` in crore)

Gujarat

1. Development of pilgrimage amenities at Somnath 2.96

Uttar Pradesh

2. Development of Varanasi 6.12

Rajasthan

3. Integrated Development of Pushkar/Ajmer 11.32

West Bengal

4. Development at Belur 8.95

Punjab

5. Development of Karuna Sagar Valmiki Sthal at Amritsar 1.88

Andhra Pradesh

6. Development of Amaravati Town, Guntur District 8.50

Development of Mathura-Vrindavan as Mega Tourist Circuit (Ph-II) 3.78

7. Development at Hazratbal 14.92

West Bengal

9. Development at Belur 8.44

TOTAL 66.87

70