Panel Flags ‘Shoddy Implementation’ of Centre’s Flagship Tourism Scheme**, Pg16

Concerns Over Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by K.C. Venugopal, criticized the Tourism Ministry for poor execution of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, launched in 2014-15.
• Scheme aimed at developing thematic tourism circuits in 31 States & UTs, with ₹5,292.57 crore sanctioned for 76 projects.

Serious Lapses Identified

• Feasibility studies were not conducted before project initiation.
• Government exceeded the sanctioned budget due to poor planning.
• Approvals given without Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), lacking a formal evaluation mechanism.

Incomplete & Non-Functional Projects

• Committee refuted government claims of completing 75 out of 76 projects.
• Kanwaria route (Bihar), tribal circuit (Telangana), & Sree Narayana Guru Ashram (Kerala) were incomplete or non-functional.

Field Inspection Ordered

• PAC directed the Ministry to conduct inspections of all projects & submit a detailed report within 3 weeks.
• Report must include project status, maintenance, coordination, and employment impact.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Need for Stringent Feasibility Studies – Future projects must undergo proper planning & DPR evaluation.
• Improved Accountability Mechanisms – Regular audits & monitoring must be enforced.
• Transparent Implementation – Government should address inefficiencies rather than misleading oversight bodies.

Mains Mock Question:

"Tourism development in India is hindered by poor implementation of government schemes. Analyze the challenges in tourism infrastructure and suggest measures for effective policy execution."