Kolkata, August 10, 2026

In a written reply to the question raised by MP Dr. Sharmila Sarkar in the Lok Sabha today regarding the details of tourism projects sanctioned in West Bengal under various Central Sector schemes during the last five years, particularly those aimed at the conservation, restoration and promotion of the heritage and tourism potential of Bardhaman, Bankura, and Birbhum districts, the Union Minister for Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stated that identification, development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Government (SG)/Union Territory Administration (UTA). However, the Ministry of Tourism through its schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan (SD)’, ‘Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)’,  ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD)’ – a sub-scheme of SD2.0 and ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ complements the efforts of tourism infrastructure development by extending financial assistance to the SGs/UTAs including the State of West Bengal ; subject to adherence to scheme guidelines, submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) by them, availability of funds, Government directions, inter-se priority etc. under these schemes.

Dr Sarkar also questioned on the details of funds allocated, released and utilised by the said State under various tourism development schemes, scheme-wise during the last five years as well as future proposals for tourism development projects, Shri Chauhan answered that sanctioning of proposal is a continuous process. He said, destinations and projects are selected/sanctioned based on proposals received from the States/UTs, their appraisal as per the Scheme Guidelines and availability of funds. Accordingly, the Swadesh Darshan portal has been opened and proposals have been invited from all State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for consideration under the SD 2.0 Scheme. Eligible proposals received from West Bengal, as well as from other States/UTs, are considered in accordance with the extant Guidelines and subject to appraisal and availability of funds.

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SSS/Kol/10.8.26…..

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