Ministry of Tourism Completes 75 Projects under Swadesh Darshan Scheme Launched in 2015

The Ministry of Tourism launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in January 2015 for the development of theme-based tourist circuits

Scheme Overview
- Swadesh Darshan Scheme launched in January 2015 for theme-based tourist circuit development.
- Objective: Create sustainable, responsible, destination-centric tourism infrastructure across India.

Achievements
- 76 projects sanctioned worth ₹5,290.33 crore.
- 75 projects physically completed by January 2026.
- Revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with focus on responsible destinations.
- 53 projects sanctioned worth ₹2,208.27 crore.
- Includes Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme.
- 36 projects sanctioned worth ₹648.11 crore under CBDD across four themes:
- Spiritual Tourism
- Culture & Heritage
- Vibrant Village Program
- Ecotourism & Amrit Dharohar Sites

Wider Initiatives Linked
PM-JUGA (Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan):
- Development of 1,000 tribal homestays to boost socio-economic conditions.

SASCI Scheme:
- 40 projects across 23 states sanctioned worth ₹3,295.76 crore for iconic tourist centres.

PRASHAD Scheme:
- 54 projects sanctioned worth ₹1,726.74 crore for pilgrimage destinations.
- 31 projects completed.

Assistance to Central Agencies Scheme:
- 66 projects sanctioned worth ₹948.78 crore.
- 39 completed, 10 foreclosed.

Promotional & Marketing Efforts
- Bharat Parv 2025 at Red Fort, Delhi, themed Dekho Apna Desh.
- International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrated at 40 sites nationwide.
- Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign: 1 lakh gratis e-tourist visas issued.
- International Tourism Mart (ITM): 13th edition held in Gangtok, Sikkim (Nov 2025).
- Digital MICE Catalogue: Covering 60+ cities to position India as a global hub for meetings & exhibitions.

Skill Development
- Paryatan Mitra & Paryatan Didi initiative:
- ~4,382 tourism service providers trained.
- Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP): Short-term hospitality & tourism skill programs.
- Incredible India Tourist Facilitator & Guide Certification: Online courses to build a professional pool of guides nationwide.

Medical Tourism
- India received 644,387 foreign tourists for medical purposes in 2024 (252% increase over 2020).
- E-Medical & E-Ayush visas available for travelers from 171 countries.
- Collaboration with Service Export Promotion Council for promotion via [India Healthcare Tourism portal](http://www.indiahealthcaretourism.com).

✅ In short: The Ministry has completed 75 projects under Swadesh Darshan (2015), expanded into Swadesh Darshan 2.0, and aligned with multiple schemes to make India a global tourism hub through infrastructure, skill development, marketing, and medical tourism.