The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reviewed the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report on the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

Key Findings of PAC

• The audit revealed serious lapses in planning, execution, and financial management.
• Projects sanctioned without proper feasibility studies.
• Cost overruns due to poor planning and lack of DPRs.
• No formal evaluation mechanism before approvals.
• Many projects remain incomplete or non-functional, including:
  • Kanwaria Route (Bihar)
  • Tribal Circuit (Telangana)
  • Sree Narayana Guru Ashram (Kerala)
• 76 projects sanctioned across 31 States/UTs with a budget of ₹5,292.57 crore (2014-19).
• The Ministry of Tourism claims 75 out of 76 projects completed, but PAC members dispute this.
• Reasons for Failure
  • Lack of Feasibility Studies : Projects approved without proper groundwork.
  • Budget Overruns: Poor financial planning led to excess expenditure.
  • Project Delays : Many projects missed deadlines due to execution issues.
  • Lack of Coordination : Weak collaboration with state governments and agencies.
  • Operational Issues: Some completed projects are non-functional.
• Directive of PAC: It has directed the Ministry to conduct field inspections and submit a detailed report on project completion, maintenance, and impact within three weeks.

About Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• Launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism.
• Aim: To develop tourism circuits based on themes (e.g., Buddha , Ramayana , heritage, coastal, tribal).
• Implementation: Development and promotion of tourism is primarily undertaken by the concerned State Governments (SGs)/Union Territory Administrations (UTs).
  • However, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to SGs/UTs for developing tourism amenities under the scheme
• Focus on improving tourism infrastructure and boosting local economies.
• Coordination with states for better road and air connectivity to lesser-known destinations.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0)

• Revamped in 2022 to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.
• 34 projects sanctioned under SD2.0 for ₹791.25 crore.
• Focuses on eco-tourism, community participation, and digital integration.
• Includes Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) for:
  • High-quality tourism content.
  • Real-time travel services.
  • Online booking for flights, hotels, and heritage sites.