Northeast

Rs 229 crore allocation for tourism infrastructure, promotion of North-Eastern states

The Union Budget has earmarked Rs 2,400 crore allocation for India's tourism development. In all, 50 tourist destinations will be developed under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 2 Feb 2023, 3:20 pm

National Highway 102 (PHOTO: IFP)
National Highway 102 (PHOTO: IFP)

The Union Budget 2023-24 presented by Union Finance and Cororate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made an allocation of Rs 2,400 crore to the Tourism Ministry. Of it, an allocation of Rs 229 crore has been earmarked for tourism infrastructure, promotion of North-Eastern states.

Of the total Rs 2,400 crore allocated to the Tourism Ministry, major portion of the outlay amounting to Rs 1742 crore is allocated for development of tourism infrastructure and an amount of Rs 242 crore for promotion and branding.

An outlay of Rs 1412 crore has been allocated for the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, a flagship scheme of the Tourism Ministry, , according to the Budget presented in Parliament on Wednesday.

Under the scheme, 50 tourist destinations would be developed for providing a wholesome tourism experience providing physical, digital and virtual connectivity, availability of tourist guides and tourist security, Sitharaman said.

Such destinations would be developed as a complete package under the ‘Swadesh Darshan Scheme’. An integrated and innovative ‘Vibrant Village Programme’ for development of tourism infrastructure and facilities in border villages has been proposed, she said.

An amount of Rs 250 crore has been allocated for the PRASHAD Scheme. The PRASHAD Scheme aims for holistic development of selected pilgrimage destinations in the country.

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The Champion Service Sector Scheme has been provided an allocation of Rs 196.22 crore. Allocation of Rs 105 crore has been made for Human Resource Development and capacity building to meet the requirement of trained manpower in the tourism and hospitality sector, the minister said.

Sitharaman also announced that an App will be developed covering all relevant aspects of tourism. States will be encouraged to set up Unity Malls in State Capital as the most prominent tourism centres to promote One District One Product, GI products, handicrafts and products of other States.

The minister said that a sector specific skilling and entrepreneurship development will be dovetailed to achieve the objectives of the‘Dekho Apna Desh’initiative. This was launched as an appeal by the Prime Minister to the middle class to prefer domestic tourism over international tourism.

The ministry also mentioned the following in a release: 

PM VIshwakarma Kaushal Samman (PMVIKAS)

A package of assistance has been conceptualized for encouraging traditional arts and handicrafts. The art and handicraft created by the artisans represents the true spirit of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The components of the scheme will include not only financial support but also access to advanced skill training, knowledge of modern digital techniques and efficient green technologies, brand promotion, linkage with local and global markets, digital payments, and social security.

Amrit Dharohar -  Wetlands are vital ecosystems which sustain biological diversity. In his latest Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister highlighted the increase in total number of Ramsar sites in our country to 75 from 26, few years back. The government will promote their unique conservation values through Amrit Dharohar, a scheme that will be implemented over the next three years to encourage optimal use of wetlands, and enhance bio-diversity, carbon stock, eco-tourism opportunities and income generation for local communities.

Viability gap funding to promote coastal shipping - Coastal shipping will be promoted as the energy efficient and lower cost mode of transport, both for passengers and freight, through PPP mode with viability gap funding.

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Relief for MSMEs - Budget has proposed revamping of the credit guarantee scheme for MSMEs. The revamped scheme will take effect from 1st April 2023 through infusion of Rs. 9,000 crore in the corpus. This will enable additional collateral-free guaranteed credit of Rs. 2 lakh crore. Micro enterprises with turnover up to Rs. 2 crore and certain professionals with turnover of up to Rs. 50 lakh can avail the benefit of presumptive taxation. Budget has proposed to provide enhanced limits of Rs. 3 crore and Rs. 75 lakh respectively.

Also Read:

Northeast to gain from Union Budget 2023-24: Experts

Union Budget 2023-24: Capital investment outlay up 33 pc, says Finance Minister Sitharaman

Union Budget 2023-24: Sitharaman lists seven priorities

Union Budget 2023-24 holds big plan for digital agriculture infrastructure: PM Modi

Union Budget 2023-24 Highlights: Centre to recruit 38,800 teachers and support staff

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Tags:

northeast statestourism ministryunion budget 2023-24nirmala sitharamtourism development

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

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