The Government had released Rs 144.68 crores fund for the development of <g data-gr-id="38">North-eastern</g> region in 2014-15 for its tourism sector. The number of tourists visiting this region increased from 66302 to 84820 in 2013 and further to 118552 in 2014, said Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge), Culture (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma in reply to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha on Monday.
“An amount of Rs 144.68 crore fund had been released for <g data-gr-id="35">North-eastern</g> region in 2014-15, which is Rs 34.68 crore more than <g data-gr-id="34">actual</g> sanctioned amount of Rs 110 crore in 2014-15. A total of 10% of the plan allocation of the Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India is earmarked for <g data-gr-id="33">North-eastern States</g>, of the funds allocated to the Ministry,” said Sharma.
The Ministry of Tourism has launched two new plan schemes, ‘Swadesh Darshan’ for integrated development of circuits around specific themes and ‘PRASAD’ for <g data-gr-id="42">national</g> mission on pilgrimage rejuvenation and spiritual augmentation drive. They are Coastal Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, North East India Circuit, Himalayan Circuit and Krishna Circuit identified under Swadesh Darshan Scheme initially. Seven more circuits <g data-gr-id="36">viz</g> Desert Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wild Life Circuit and Rural Circuit have recently been identified under the scheme. Under PRASAD scheme, 12 cities have been identified. Kamakhaya in Assam features under PRASAD scheme, he added.
The Government promote tourism in North-eastern region and is also looking at provision of complimentary space to the North-eastern states in India pavilions set up at major International travel fairs and exhibitions, 100% central financial assistance for organising fairs and festivals is allowed to theNorth-eastern States.
Also the Ministry of Tourism, as part of its on-going activities, annually releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international markets, under the Incredible India brand-line, to promote various tourism destinations and products of the country, including the lesser known destinations which have tourism potential. The Ministry of Tourism undertakes special campaigns on TV channels to promote tourism in the regions. International Tourism Mart are organised annually with the objective of showcasing the tourism potential of <g data-gr-id="39">North-east</g> region in <g data-gr-id="40">the these</g> markets.