Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• 08 Aug 2025

Source: PIB 

The Ministry of Tourism undertook a review of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS) following the CAG’s performance audit.  

• The review emphasized institutional strengthening, data-driven destination selection, infrastructure benchmarking, and integration of hard (infrastructure) and soft (capacity building) interventions.  
• Focus areas included monitoring, sustainable operations, promotion, and impact assessment for long-term sustainability. 

Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS & SD2.0) 

• Launched in 2014-15, SDS is a 100% centrally funded Central Sector Scheme aimed at sustainable and responsible tourism through integrated development of theme-based circuits (e.g., Buddhist, Heritage).  
• It provides financial support to States/UTs/Central Agencies for infrastructure development. 
• SD2.0 shifts to destination-centric, sustainable tourism, aligned with ‘Vocal for Local’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, encouraging private sector investment in tourism and hospitality. 
• Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme under SD2.0, follows a competitive model focusing on sustainability, digitalization, skill development, MSME support, and efficient management. 

Key Initiatives for Tourism Development 

• National Tourism Policy, 2022 
• Dekho Apna Desh Initiative   
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat  
• PRASAD Scheme 
• HRIDAY 
• Tribal Homestays under PM-JUGA 
• Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP) for skill and employability enhancement.

Read More: Swadesh Darshan Scheme, Advancing Sustainable Tourism in India