In News:

Centre clears scheme for development of 40 tourist destinations across 23 States at a cost of ?3,295 crore.

Key Details:

• Focus Areas: The scheme encourages the development of lesser-known destinations such as Bateshwar (Uttar Pradesh), Ponda (Goa), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), and Porbandar (Gujarat) to reduce overcrowding at popular sites.
• Implementation Timeline: Projects must be completed within two years, with funding released in stages until March 2026.
• Key Features:
  • Long-term interest-free loans for 50 years.
  • States responsible for project execution and maintenance, often through public-private partnerships (PPP).
  • The Ministry of Tourism will monitor progress, and 66% of the funds have already been released.
  • Emphasis on sustainability and boosting local economies by creating jobs through tourism.
  • States must provide land at no cost and ensure proper infrastructure like safety, connectivity, and utilities.

Selection Criteria for Projects:

• Consultation Process: Detailed regional consultations led to the selection of 40 projects from 87 proposals received by the Ministry of Tourism. West Bengal was the only state not submitting proposals.
• Evaluation Criteria: Projects were evaluated based on:
  • Connectivity, tourism potential, and ecosystem.
  • Financial viability and sustainability.
  • Impact on local economy and job creation.
• Funding Pattern:
  • A maximum of ?100 crore for each project, with higher funding considered for exceptional projects.
  • Total funding capped at ?250 crore per state, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Importance of the Scheme:

• Economic Growth & Employment: Projects are designed to stimulate local economies, create employment, and promote sustainable tourism.
• Global Branding: The scheme aims to brand and market tourist destinations on a global scale.
• Tourism Infrastructure Growth: It aims to improve the entire tourism value chain, including transportation, accommodation, activities, and services.

Tourism Sector Overview:

• Current Status:
  • India ranks 39th among 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024.
  • Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) increased by 47.9% in 2023, with 9.52 million tourists.
  • Tourism contributed 5% to India’s GDP in 2022-23 and created 76.17 million direct and indirect jobs.
  • India earned ?2.3 lakh crore in foreign exchange in 2023 through tourism.
  • Projected revenue from tourism to exceed $59 billion by 2028.
• Initiatives for Promotion:
  • Swadesh Darshan Scheme: To develop theme-based circuits.
  • Dekho Apna Desh Initiative (2020): Promotes domestic tourism.
  • PRASHAD & HRIDAY Schemes: Focus on pilgrimage and heritage city development.

MGNREGA Job Card Deletions Issue:

• Context: A significant surge in deletions of job cards under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) raised concerns over transparency and workers’ rights.
• Reasons for Deletion:
  • Permanent migration, duplicate cards, forged documents, and refusal to work.
  • Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) implementation led to deletions for non-linked cards.
• Implications:
  • Violation of workers’ legal right to employment, especially when deletions were made without due process.
  • The "Not willing to work" designation undermines livelihood opportunities, especially in high unemployment rural areas.
• Recommendations for Reform:
  • Strengthening verification processes and ensuring deletions follow due procedure.
  • Empowering Gram Sabhas to review and approve deletions.
  • Regular audits and better grievance redressal mechanisms.

Other Government Initiatives in Tourism:

• National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD): For holistic and sustainable development of pilgrimage tourism.
• Incredible India & E-Visa Initiatives: To attract more foreign tourists.
• Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN): Enhances air connectivity to remote tourist destinations.
• National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY): Preserves and rejuvenates heritage sites.