Ministry of Education leads ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, 117 projects sanctioned worth…

The MPs asked the Ministry of Tourism to detail infrastructure and digital promotion initiatives, the progress of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative for cultural tourism, and steps taken to enhance international arrivals and niche tourism products. The Ministry of Tourism provided a statement outlining sanctioned projects, digital platforms, and specific schemes.

Asked and answered by: Asked by: Shri Chintamani Maharaj and Smt. Kamlesh Jangde; Answered by: Ministry of Tourism (Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat).

What the government said

• 117 projects worth Rs. 5756.62 crores sanctioned in the last two years under schemes including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge Based Destination Development, PRASHAD, and DA JUGA.
• Launch of the revamped Incredible India Digital Platform in September 2024, offering multi-language content and booking services for flights, hotels, and ASI monument tickets.
• Clarification that the Ministry of Education is the nodal ministry for 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', while the Ministry of Tourism participates via events like Bharat Parv and student exchange programs through 21 Institutes of Hotel Management.
• e-Visa facility available for nationals of 174 countries under nine sub-categories.
• Introduction of the Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification (IITFC) Programme and integration of Regional Level Guides into the Incredible India Tourist Guide (IITG) system.
• Identification of 53 tourism routes under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) in coordination with the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Formulation of National Strategies for Sustainable, Rural, MICE, Adventure, Eco, and Medical & Wellness Tourism.
• Launch of 'Meet in India' for MICE tourism and 'India Says I Do' for destination weddings.

Also in the document

• The answer clarifies that the Ministry of Education is the nodal ministry for the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' initiative, not the Ministry of Tourism, though the latter participates in related activities.
• The document provides a detailed annexure listing specific sanctioned projects, dates, and costs for Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Challenge Based Destination Development schemes, but the text is truncated before listing PRASHAD scheme details.