Swadesh Darshan Awards: Tourism Ministry invites entries from states and UTs

Various categories of Swadesh Darshan awards were presented on Thursday by the Ministry of Tourism to recognize the efforts of state governments, union territory administrations, and implementing agencies alike. In a press release released by the Ministry, the awards will acknowledge best practices such as meeting planned objectives, taking an innovative approach, incorporating sustainability principles into planning, design, and operations, monitoring projects efficiently, attracting private investment in peripheral development, and efforts to ensure optimal operations and maintenance.

Following are the categories in which entries are being invited:

• Best Tourist Interpretation Centre
• Best Log Hut Facility
• Best MICE Facility
• Best Cafeteria, Best Craft Haat/ Souvenir Shop facility
• Best Sound and Light Show and Best Waterfront Development (Beach/ River/ Lake, etc.)

State governments and university administrations have also been asked to submit their entries online by the Ministry. Over Rs 5500 crore worth of projects have been sanctioned under the flagship scheme ‘Swadesh Darshan’. More than 500 tourist destinations have developed tourism-related infrastructure under this program, according to a release.

To the uninitiated, last month, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget that allocated the most funds to the Ministry of Tourism in Financial Year 2022-23.