Ministry of Tourism’s SASCI initiative for developing Iconic Tourist Centres

With the aim to develop iconic tourist centres in the country, the Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines along with detailed project report template under Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI)-Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale initiative scheme.

Scheme Overview
- Initiative: Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale.
- Objective: Transform select destinations into world-class tourist hubs by improving connectivity, infrastructure, and visitor experience.
- Funding: 100% central funding.

Projects Sanctioned
FY 2024–25:
- 40 projects across 23 States sanctioned.
- Total cost: ₹3,295.76 crore.
- Examples: Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), Assam State Zoo, Matsyagandha Lake (Bihar), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum (Goa), Orchha (Madhya Pradesh), Rishikesh Rafting Base Station (Uttarakhand).
- Karnataka received two projects:
- Ecotourism & Cultural Hub at Roerich and Devika Rani Estate (Bengaluru).
- Development of Savadatti Yallammagudda (Belagavi).

FY 2025–26 (Amended Guidelines):
- States that did not avail Part-III funds in 2024–25 eligible for up to ₹250 crore under Part-II.
- Nagaland, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh each sanctioned ₹250 crore for tourism projects.

Monitoring & Governance
- Institutional Framework:
- Central Sanctioning & Monitoring Committee (CSMC).
- Mission Directorate (MD).
- State-level institutional frameworks.
- Parameters for DPRs: Connectivity, ecosystem readiness, carrying capacity, utilities, expected impact (tourist footfall, spend, jobs, private investment).
- Digital Monitoring: Program Management Information System (PMIS) for real-time tracking, reporting, and coordination.

Key Takeaway
The SASCI scheme is a strategic push to elevate India’s tourism infrastructure, ensuring destinations are developed sustainably, with strong institutional oversight and digital monitoring. By funding projects across diverse states—from heritage sites to eco-tourism hubs—the initiative aims to boost tourist footfall, spending, and employment while attracting private investment.