The SASCI scheme (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) is an initiative by the Government of India to enhance capital expenditure in states and Union Territories. Capital expenditure refers to spending on assets like infrastructure, roads, railways, and other long-term investments that boost economic growth. Read here to learn more.
The Centre has approved interest-free loans worth ₹3,295 crore to States for the development of tourism sites and infrastructure. As part of this initiative, 40 new projects have been identified across 23 States.
Through this initiative, the Union Tourism Ministry has also encouraged States to develop lesser-known tourist destinations, including Bateshwar in Uttar Pradesh, Ponda in Goa, Gandikota in Andhra Pradesh, and Porbandar in Gujarat.
Some other selected projects include notable destinations such as Rang Ghar in Sivasagar (Assam), Matsyagandha Lake in Saharsa (Bihar), and proposed developments in Porvorim (Goa) and Orchha (Madhya Pradesh).
SASCI Scheme
The scheme aims to boost the economy by stimulating demand and creating jobs while accelerating key projects like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana through state funding.
- To encourage states to increase their capital investment, which can drive economic growth and create jobs.
- To provide financial support in the form of interest-free loans for specified development projects.
- Funding Mechanism:
- The central government provides interest-free loans to states/UTs for a specified period (often around 50 years).
- The allocation is typically based on criteria such as the state’s commitment to reforms, adherence to fiscal prudence, and project viability.
- Areas of Focus:
- Infrastructure development: roads, bridges, urban transport, water supply, etc.
- Health and education infrastructure.
- Green energy projects, including renewable energy and climate resilience.
- Digital infrastructure and innovation in governance.
- Conditions for Eligibility:
- States are often required to commit to reforms in areas like power sector reforms, urban local body reforms, or improving ease of doing business.
- Timely utilization and reporting of funds are crucial for continued assistance.
- Recent Developments:
- The scheme has been integrated into the broader effort to accelerate post-pandemic economic recovery.
- In Budget 2023-24, increased allocations were made under this scheme to further stimulate state-level investment.
- Impact:
- Enhanced capacity for states to invest in critical infrastructure.
- Improved coordination between the central and state governments in implementing national priorities.
SASCI Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale
The Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale under the SASCI (Swadesh Darshan 2.0) scheme is a strategic initiative by the Government of India aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure and promoting underexplored destinations. Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:
Objectives:
- Diversification of Tourism: Promote lesser-known sites like Bateshwar (UP), Ponda (Goa), and Gandikota (AP) to reduce the focus on traditional tourist hubs.
- Economic Boost: Generate local employment, improve regional economies, and enhance the entire tourism value chain (transportation, accommodation, activities, and services).
- Sustainable Tourism: Emphasize eco-friendly practices and long-term project sustainability.
- Global Branding: Position Indian tourism destinations on a global scale through effective marketing and branding.
Salient Features:
- Interest-Free Loans: States receive interest-free loans for 50 years to fund projects.
- Challenge-Mode Development: Competitive selection of proposals based on criteria like connectivity, site capacity, and sustainability ensures innovative and impactful projects.
- Encumbrance-Free Land: States must provide land at no cost.
- Completion Timeline: Projects must be completed within two years, with funding available until 31st March 2026.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP): States are encouraged to attract private investment for high-quality tourism development.
Funding Pattern:
- Maximum Funding Per Project: Up to Rs. 100 crores, with potential for higher funding for exceptional projects.
- Total Funding Cap Per State: Rs. 250 crores.
- 100% Central Government Funding: The Government of India covers the full project cost, while states handle peripheral infrastructure and connectivity.
Implementation and Monitoring:
- State Responsibility: States are responsible for project execution, maintenance, and operation.
- Ministry Oversight: The Ministry of Tourism monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
India’s Tourism Statistics
According to the latest Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI), international tourist arrivals (ITAs) have been projected to increase globally after COVID-19.
India has been ranked 39th among 119 countries in the latest TTDI 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum.
India’s score has improved in three areas:
- Prioritisation of Travel & Tourism
- Safety & Security
- Health & Hygiene
Read: Tourism Expansion in India
Initiatives to Enhance Tourism
Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS)
- Objective: Develop theme-based tourist circuits in India.
- Themes: Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, etc.
- Focus: Infrastructure development, sustainability, and showcasing cultural heritage.
Draft National Tourism Policy 2022
- Goal: Establish India as a world leader in tourism by 2047.
- Focus Areas: Sustainability, digital transformation, skill development, and MSME growth in tourism.
- Approach: Public-private partnerships and community involvement.
Dekho Apna Desh Initiative
- Objective: Encourage domestic tourism by promoting unexplored destinations.
- Activities: Webinars, campaigns, and virtual tours focusing on India’s hidden gems.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB)
- Objective: Strengthen cultural unity by pairing different states/UTs for cultural exchange.
- Focus: Language learning, tourism promotion, and cultural diversity.
Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme
- Goal: Train and certify individuals as professional tourist facilitators.
- Mode: Online self-paced modules for developing tourism skills.
E-Visa
- Purpose: Simplify the visa process for foreign tourists.
- Categories: Tourist, business, medical, and conference visas.
- Availability: 160+ countries eligible for e-visa.
Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik)
- Objective: Enhance air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.
- Impact: Boosts tourism by linking remote destinations to major hubs.
PRASHAD Scheme
- Full Name: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive.
- Focus: Develop infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites to enhance the tourist experience.
- Key Sites: Includes iconic religious and cultural destinations.
Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development Scheme
- Purpose: Financial assistance to central agencies for creating tourism-related infrastructure.
- Scope: Enhances cultural tourism by developing roads, illumination, and visitor amenities.
Domestic Promotion & Publicity Including Hospitality (DPPH) Scheme
- Objective: Promote domestic tourism by supporting tourism events, fairs, and festivals.
- Activities: Provides financial assistance to states/UTs for organizing tourism-related events.
Conclusion
The SASCI scheme reflects the central government’s commitment to cooperative federalism, where states are provided with the necessary financial tools to invest in long-term development goals.
This initiative not only aims to elevate India’s tourism to a global level but also emphasizes sustainable development, leveraging public-private partnerships, and fostering regional economic growth.
Related articles:
- Tourism sector
- Cultural Tourism in India
- Cruise Bharat Mission: Cruise tourism in India
- Ecotourism
- Overtourism
- Medical tourism in India
- Space tourism
–Article by Swathi Satish
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