Context: Recently, as part of the first phase of the ‘Swadesh Darshan 2’ (beginning from January 2023), the government has identified 15 States across the country to be promoted as part of India’s new domestic tourism policy.

• Part 1 of Swadesh Darshan I had faced some criticism mainly pertaining to “resources being spread thin due to the many destinations being covered and too many stakeholders being involved”.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0

• Swadesh Darshan 2.0 is the revamped version of the scheme.

• The scheme has been revamped with the mantra of “vocal for local”. It moves away from theme-based tourist circuits and focuses on reviving destination tourism.

• It aims to develop sustainable and responsible destinations with a tourist and destination-centric approach.

• Under the scheme, two to three destinations each have been selected from 15 states. Some of the prominent places identified are Jhansi and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, Gwalior, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh and Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra.

Tourism Sector in India

• According to the third Tourism Satellite Account for 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20, the contribution of tourism to the employment of the country is 14.78%, 14.87% and 15.34 % respectively. 

• The total jobs generated by tourism are 72.69 million (2017-18), 75.85 million (2018-19) and 79.86 million (2019-20). 

About Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• It is a Central Sector scheme launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture,Government of India for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits.

• The scheme aims to promote, develop and harness the potential of tourism in India.

• Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance – CFA to State Governments, Union Territory Administrations for the infrastructure development of circuits.

• The scheme was envisioned to synergise with other government schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, and Make in India with the idea of positioning the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation, driving force for economic growth, building synergy with various sectors to enable tourism to realise its potential.