The BJP-led NDA-ruled 17 states have cornered a whopping Rs 2,541.48 crore – almost 75 per cent — of the total Rs 3,295.76 crore allocated by the Centre for developing 40 new tourism sites across 23 states. The six INDIA bloc-ruled states were granted barely Rs 754.28 crore, representing roughly 25 per cent.
Representative Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
Mumbai: In a move that bolsters India’s tourism landscape, Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced on Friday the Centre’s approval of 40 new projects spread across 23 states under the Special Assistance to State/UTs for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme.
This allocation of Rs 3,295.76 crore is intended to elevate iconic tourist centres to global standards, ensuring that “the whole world sees every nook and corner of Bharat, one iconic site at a time!”, said the Minister with enthusiasm.
Shekhawat emphasized that these projects will not only foster local economies and generate employment opportunities through sustainable tourism but also decongest popular tourist centres. They will also integrate advanced technologies, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen public-private partnerships to enhance infrastructure and visitor experiences.
He assured that a host of measures would be undertaken to ensure a world-class experience for everyone who wishes to immerse themselves in India’s rich tapestry of natural, cultural, and historic grandeur.
Commenting on the allocation, Pune-based social activist Prafful Sarda remarked, “This is not surprising as the BJP-NDA has always adopted a ‘step-motherly’ attitude towards all Opposition-party-ruled states in the past 10 years”.
“This discrepancy was evident during the global pandemic and the Covid-19 crisis when Gujarat received a disproportionately high quantity of life-saving drugs like Remdesivir and Tocilizumab, despite having significantly lower case numbers than states like Maharashtra or Delhi. Other Central funds, grants, and assistance followed a similar pattern, with BJP-NDA states being ‘most favoured’ compared to others,” Sarda explained to IANS.
State-Wise Allocation
Under the SASCI scheme, Odisha emerged as the highest beneficiary among the BJP-NDA states, receiving Rs 199.89 crore. Close behind are Madhya Pradesh (Rs 199.30 crore), Meghalaya (Rs 198.54 crore), Assam (Rs 191.88 crore), Goa (Rs 188.20 crore), and Andhra Pradesh (Rs 172.35 crore).
Following them are Sikkim (Rs 165.56 crore), Uttar Pradesh (Rs 1
How much funding has been allocated to the SASCI scheme for tourism infrastructure development? [[1](https://hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/travel/center-approves-inr-3295-cr-for-tourism-infra-developments-under-sasci-scheme/115835533)]
The provided text discusses the Indian government’s recent approval of 40 new tourism projects under the Special Assistance to State/UTs for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme. The goal of these projects is to improve iconic tourist destinations across India and promote sustainable tourism.
Here are some key points from the text:
* **Investment**: The government has allocated Rs 3,295.76 crore for these projects.
* **Scope**: The projects spanned 23 states and aim to elevate tourist centers to global standards.
* **Benefits**: The projects promise to boost local economies, create jobs, decongest popular sites, integrate new technologies, and promote environmentally responsible practices.
* **Focus**: The Minister emphasized making India’s diverse cultural and natural attractions accessible to a global audience. [[Original Text]]
The text does not mention any specific details about projects within Mumbai.