Swadesh Darshan Scheme II

Swadesh Darshan Scheme II

News: Recently, The Ministry of Tourism has included the UNESCO WHS of Ajanta and Ellora caves in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in its Swadesh Darshan Scheme II.

Background:
• With the addition of Ajanta and Ellora caves, there are now 57 destinations covered under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme II across 32 states and Union Territories.
• Additionally, the Ghrishneshwar Temple in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district was recently included in the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme.

About Swadesh Darshan scheme:
• The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, with the aim of developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country.
• It is a 100% centrally funded scheme where the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State governments, Union Territory Administrations, or Central Agencies for the development of tourism infrastructure.
• The responsibility of Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of the projects sanctioned under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme lies with the respective State Government/UT Administration.
• The scheme is based on theme-based tourism, where each theme is called a \'circuit\' and composed of various tourist destinations. Some of the circuits include the Buddhist circuit, Coastal circuit, Desert, Eco, Heritage, Himalayan, Krishna circuit, North-East, Ramayan, Rural, Spiritual, Sufi, Tirthankar, Tribal, and Wildlife.

About Swadesh Darshan 2.0
• The Swadesh Darshan 2.0, is a revamped initiative by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. It represents a generational shift from the original Swadesh Darshan Scheme, with a holistic mission to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations across the country.
• The objective of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme is to increase private sector investment in tourism & hospitality and foster Public-Private Partnerships.
• Major themes identified for tourism under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme include Culture and Heritage, Adventure Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Wellness Tourism, MICE Tourism, Rural Tourism, Beach Tourism, and Cruises – Ocean & Inland.

About PRASAD:
• The PRASAD Scheme, initially known as the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spirituality Augmentation Drive, was launched in 2014-2015 by the Government of India under the Ministry of Tourism.
• In October 2017, it was renamed as the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
• Objectives – Enhance religious tourism, infra development, promote local culture, community based development etc.