Centre sanctions 16 projects, Rs 200 crore for tourism development in Northeast region

Union Tourism and DoNER minister G Kishan Reddy on Monday said that the Centre has sanctioned 16 projects under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which focuses on integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits, in the North Eastern region. The ministry also sanctioned Rs 200 crore and a number of projects in the region under the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) schemes. G Kishan Reddy further said that his ministry is giving special emphasis on developing infrastructure, ground capacity and skills in Northeast region. “The tourism ministry is also providing branding and marketing assistance to the northeast region through its various schemes and flagship initiatives. Under the PRASHAD schemes the ministry has sanctioned number of projects in the region and approximately Rs 200 crore has been sanctioned for these projects,” G Kishan Reddy said. While taking part in the inaugural ceremony of Tourism and Culture Ministers’ Conference of North Eastern Region held in Guwahati, Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) minister said that in the Union budget of 2021-22, the budget allocation to north eastern states is Rs 68,020 crore. He urged all the state governments in the region to submit viable proposals so that the full amount allocated across various ministries can be successfully utilized. Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said that for the overall development of Assam and other North Eastern states, culture and tourism play a very crucial role. The Assam chief minister also said that for the promotion of historical, spiritual and natural places of tourist attractions, the concept of ‘Brand North East’ should be popularized. If all the states work together, the sector can progress well in the next five years, he added.