MoT issues operational guidelines with detailed project report for 40 SASCI tourism projects
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat-2
States which did not avail funds under Part-III of SASCI 2024-25 are eligible to avail Special Assistance of not more than INR 250 crores for tourism projects.
With the aim to develop iconic tourist centres in the country, the Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines along with detailed project report template under the Special Assistance to the States for Capital Investment (SASCI)-Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale initiative scheme.
As per the guidelines, the proposals were invited from the state governments for considering financial assistance to the states under the scheme. The parameters formulated for examining the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) submitted by the States covered connectivity to the site, existing tourism eco-system at the site/destination, carrying capacity, availability of utility services, project impact and value envisaged which included expected increase in tourist footfall, increased tourist spending, new employment opportunities, attracting private investment, etc.
Accordingly, 40 projects were sanctioned across 23 states in the country including two projects in the state of Karnataka by the Government of India under the scheme for INR 3295.76 Crore in the financial year 2024-25 with 100% central funding and the details of these projects is annexed.
Further, the Department of Expenditure amended SASCI guidelines for 2025-26 and as per amended guidelines, States which did not avail funds under Part-III of SASCI 2024-25 are eligible to avail Special Assistance of not more than INR 250 crores for tourism projects under Part-II of SASCI 2025-26. As per amended guidelines, Special Assistance of INR 250 crores have been sanctioned and released each to Nagaland, Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh for tourism projects under Part-II of SASCI 2025-26 and the details of sanction is also annexed.
The Ministry has also developed a Program Management Information System (PMIS) for monitoring of its destination development related schemes as a unified digital platform to facilitate seamless information, communication, sharing and reporting system in respect of the projects undertaken as part of its various schemes. Ministry of Tourism and SGs/UTAs including project implementing agencies are integral part of this system.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Rajya Sabha.
