SHILLONG, Dec 26: Meghalaya has emerged as one of the key beneficiaries of the Tourism Ministry’s Swadesh Darshan initiative, which aims to develop theme-based tourist circuits across India. The state, along with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Tripura, has been included in the ambitious project to boost tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable travel destinations.
Launched in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan scheme has now evolved into Swadesh Darshan 2.0, focusing on creating responsible and eco-friendly tourist spots.
Under the 2024-25 Budget announcements, the Tourism Ministry has also approved 40 projects across 23 states, including Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Tripura, with funding of Rs 3,295.76 crore through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI). This mechanism provides long-term, interest-free loans to states for developing iconic tourist centres and promoting them globally.
The revamped version, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, has endorsed 34 new projects with funding of Rs 793.20 crore. Meghalaya’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a prime candidate for several of these thematic circuits, including ecotourism, culture and heritage tourism, and the Vibrant Village Programme.
The Ministry has also introduced a sub-scheme titled ‘Challenge-Based Destination Development’ under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, inviting proposals to develop tourism sites around four key themes — Spiritual Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Ecotourism, and Amrit Dharohar Sites.
Complementing the Swadesh Darshan scheme is the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme, which aims to improve infrastructure at key pilgrimage sites. With an allocation of Rs 1,646.99 crore, as many as 48 projects have been sanctioned under PRASHAD, 23 of which have been completed. Given Meghalaya’s spiritual landmarks, such as the Nartiang Monoliths and the Sacred Groves, there is potential for further inclusion under this initiative.
India recorded 18.89 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, generating Rs 2.32 lakh crore in Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs).
