Centre Approves 3,296 crore under SASCI Scheme for Boosting Tourist Infrastructure | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Centre Approves 3,296 crore under SASCI Scheme for Boosting Tourist Infrastructure

Posted 30 Nov 2024

2 min read

40 projects across 23 states have been identified under Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, to develop iconic tourist centers to global standards.

About SASCI Scheme

  • Aim: To infuse long term interest free loans for a period of 50 years to States for comprehensively develop iconic tourist centers in the country, branding, and marketing them at global scale. 
  • It envisages the local economy growth and creates employment opportunities through sustainable tourism projects.

India’s Tourism Sector 

  • Status: India ranked 39th among 119 countries according to Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report published by World Economic Forum (WEF). 
    • India recorded 9.52 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals in 2023, reflecting a 47.9% increase compared to 2022. 
  • Significance: 
    • Contribution in GDP: It contributed 5% to India’s gross domestic product (GDP) during 2022-23.
    • Employment: In 2022-23, 76.17 million direct & indirect jobs were created due to tourism.
    • Foreign Exchange Earnings: India earned over ₹2.3 lakh crore in 2023 through tourism.
  • Future Outlook: By 2028, India's tourism and hospitality industry is projected to generate revenue of over $59 Bn.

 

Initiatives taken to promote tourism in India

  • National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY): A central sector scheme launched in 2015, to preserve & rejuvenate rich cultural heritage of the country.
  • National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD):Aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritized, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience. 
  • Dekho Apna Desh initiative (2020): To encourage domestic tourism.

 

  • Tags :
  • Tourism Sector
  • Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme
  • National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)
  • National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)
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