Government Strengthens Tourism Infrastructure Through Swadesh Darshan and CBDD Initiatives
Under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme, States and Union Territories submit proposals in response to notifications issued by the Ministry. Destinations are selected based on defined evaluation parameters, including tourism potential, readiness of the location, community involvement, institutional mechanisms, environmental sustainability and the overall clarity of the project proposal. A structured and transparent assessment process is followed as per the scheme guidelines.
New Delhi: Development and promotion of tourism destinations across India largely falls under the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. To further support their efforts, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial and technical assistance through several central sector schemes such as Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0), Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) under SD2.0, the PRASHAD scheme, and the Assistance to Central Agencies (ACA) programme. These schemes help boost tourism infrastructure based on project proposals, availability of funds, and compliance with guidelines.
The Government is also extending support through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) initiative, enabling States to take up key tourism development projects.
Under the Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme, States and Union Territories submit proposals in response to notifications issued by the Ministry. Destinations are selected based on defined evaluation parameters, including tourism potential, readiness of the location, community involvement, institutional mechanisms, environmental sustainability and the overall clarity of the project proposal. A structured and transparent assessment process is followed as per the scheme guidelines.
The Ministry also encourages States and UTs to ensure convergence with other central and state-level initiatives, especially in areas of connectivity, basic infrastructure, mobility, skilling, product development and visitor experience enhancement.
Details of projects approved under the CBDD scheme, along with sanctioned and authorized funds since the scheme’s inception, have been provided in an annexure.
This information was shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.