Union Tourism Minister Sh G. Kishan Reddy hands over cheques/sanction letters to first lot of tourism stakeholders under LGSCATSS

Key Highlights

As commercial flight operations ramp up to pre-COVID levels, I urge the citizens of the country to strictly follow Covid protocol to stay safe and healthy: Shri G Kishan Reddy

Union Minister for Tourism, Culture & DoNER, Shri G.Kishan Reddy handed over cheques/ sanction letters to the first lot of stakeholders who have been granted the loan/ in-principle approval under the LGSCATSS at an event today in New Delhi. Secretary Tourism Shri Arvind Singh, DG Tourism Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao, ADG Tourism Smt. Rupinder Brar and senior officers from the Ministry of Tourism and the participating banks were also present in the event.

Later, the Union Minister addressed the gathering and acknowledged the efforts of stakeholders of the travel trade sector, senior officers from the Ministry, and the Banks and granted the loan / in-principle approval for a loan under the Loan Guarantee Scheme for COVID Affected Tourism Sector Services (LGSCATSS). The Minister acknowledged that the Tourism sector was one of the most affected service sectors and those dependent on the tourism sector faced a significant depletion in incomes.

Shri G Kishan Reddy said, “The Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi desired that sectors such as Tourism be extended financial support so that Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Tourist Transport Operators, Regional level Tourist, and the local guides can sustain themselves in the time of change”

LGSCATSS provides support to approved Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Tourist Transport Operators, Regional level Tourist and local guides by the State governments and Union Territories in the form of credit under the Credit Guarantee Scheme at concessional rates. The purpose of extending financial support/relief to the tourism stakeholders and service providers was to mitigate their hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic and to help them revive their business and livelihood.

The Union Minister said  “currently there is a discussion on the impact of the third wave, but I believe that strict adherence to COVID protocol will help overcome the situation. I urge the citizens of the country to strictly follow the Covid protocol to stay safe and healthy”. He said that under the leadership of Sri Narendra Modi, the scientists have developed the vaccine indigenously, and the Government has already administered around 125 crore doses. He also recognised the effort of Indian scientists and entrepreneurs and said that it was a proud moment for India as even developed countries are queuing up for India-made vaccines.
The Minister also encouraged families to visit at least two tourism destinations each year and this will help future generations to know about our rich heritage. Various circuits are being developed and connected to make it accessible for tourists. The Minister also stated that the Ministry of Railways is running specialised trains by leveraging skilled professionals to connect the Buddhist destinations and Ramayan circuit.

Since 2014, approximately Rs. 5,500 crores has been sanctioned towards development of infrastructure in tourism destinations chosen by states through the SWADESH darshan scheme with the aim of developing these destinations to international standards. More than Rs. 1,200 crores has also been sanctioned towards pilgrimage rejuvenation and spiritual heritage augmentation through the PRASHAD scheme. As part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, 75 destinations will be declared by the government and the destinations will be developed in coordination with the other ministries for facilitating the tourists. The destinations will be made accessible to the International tourists with infrastructure which includes International airports.

The Minister also spoke about various initiatives and interventions made during COVID-19 to develop tourism. Around 5 lakh visas will be issued to foreign tourists without any charges and 170 countries are now a part of the e-visa approval facility. The Government of India has also appointed exclusive officers to promote the country’s tourism in 20 missions abroad in countries such as Canada, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Singapore, Korea, Japan

Hon’ble Prime Minister Inaugurated Infrastructure Development Projects and Laid the Foundation of Parvatimata Temple in Somnath Gujarat

Sh. Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India at 11.00 AM today via virtual platform dedicated to the nation the Promenade created at Shree Somnathji temple under PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism Hon’ble Prime Minister also inaugurated the “Exhibition Gallery” created by the State Government of Gujarat in the Tourism Facilitation Centre constructed under the completed project “Development of Pilgrimage Amenities” under PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.

The Hon’ble Prime Minister also inaugurated the recently reconstructed temple precinct of Juna Somnath recently completed by Shree Somnath Trust with a total outlay of INR 3.5 Crore.  Key interventions created include Ramp for Universal Accessibility, Sitting Arrangement and Courtyard, 15 Shops, 2 Halls and Lift Shaft.

On this occasion the Hon’ble Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Shree Parvatimata Temple with a total proposed outlay of INR 30 Crore.

This auspicious event was joined by Sh. L. K. Advani, Veteran Leader and Trustee Shree Somnath Trust, Sh. Amit Shah (Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation), Sh. Shripad Yesso Naik (Minister of State of Tourism and Ports, Shipping & Waterways), Sh. Vijay Rupani (Chief Minister, Gujarat), Shri Nitinbhai Patel (Dy. Chief Minister Gujarat), Sh. Jawahar Chawda (Minister of Tourism, State Government of Gujarat) and Sh. Vasan Ahir (Minister of State of Tourism, State Government of Gujarat), Shri Rajeshbhai Chudasama, Member of Parliament, Junagadh and Shri P.K. Laheri, Trustee – Secretary, Shree Somnath Trust. The event was conducted by Shri Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. During the event, a film was presented showcasing the various developmental infrastructure projects that are undertaken in Somnath.

Tourism, Travel And Hospitality has been identified as a key sector of the 5 T’s identified by the Hon’ble Prime Minister. While addressing the gathering virtually, Hon’ble Prime Minister emphasised on the importance of tourism in the country. How our ancestors have understood the importance and role of tourism centuries ago and developed many places which were connected with our belief. He further mentioned about the ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Destinations’ Scheme of Ministry of Tourism. 19 destinations have been identified across the nation and the development of this sites will boost the tourism industry. Prime Minister spoke about the Sabka Sath Sabka Prayas and Sabka Vikas. Tourism is connecting the common man of the country. Prime Minister amplified on the idea of adjoining tourism, pilgrimage and modernity to give way to an effective development. He further highlighted the importance of such developments in helping the upcoming generations in having a better understanding of ancient culture. Hon’ble Prime Minister talked about the consistent efforts of great leader of our country Dr. Rajendra Prasad & Sardar Vallabhai Patel for realizing the dream of developing the Somnath Temple. The idea of #Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat that connect the entire nation.

Hon’ble Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction on the significant improvement in the ranking of India in the Tourism and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) of 2019 by World Economic Forum wherein India ranked at 34th Position owing to its advancement of tourism. Prime Minister also spoke about the development of Ramayana Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism which relates to the life of Lord Ram. Similarly he mentioned about Buddha Circuit which provides facilities to the devotees visiting from across the world. The importance of Spiritual Tourism in the country was talked. Prime Minister mentioned about 40 Projects of PRASHAD wherein 15 have been totally completed. Further he emphasised on the inclusion of tourism guides as part of the tourism infrastructure to facilitate better understanding of destination to the tourists and generates employment. Granting of E-visa in various categories and reduction in the visa fees have augmented the tourism growth in the country.

The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15 with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.  The concept of universal access is the first and foremost dimension is being taken care of while finalizing and executing the projects under the scheme.  The scheme aimed at creation of pilgrimage / religious and heritage tourism infrastructure development at the destinations. At present total 37 projects in 24 states (including 15 completed projects) are approved with estimated cost of Rs. 1214.19 crore and a total amount of Rs. 675.89 crore has been released for these projects under the scheme.

The project “Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Somnath, Gujarat under PRASHAD Scheme” was approved by the Ministry of Tourism with the cost of Rs. 45.36 crores in March 2017.  The components viz. ‘Parking Area Development’, ‘Tourist Facilitation Centre’ and ‘Solid Waste Management’ have been successfully executed and dedicated to the nation in July 2020.  The project has been successfully completed providing world class pilgrimage tourism infrastructure including the facilities for cloak room, public convenience, waiting halls, rooms for children, specially-able, parking for cars, buses and two wheelers, disposal / segregation of solid waste management, Medical Facilities, souvenir shops, Traditional Shops, Refreshment House, Library, Meeting Hall, Multi-purpose Room, Senior Citizen Room, Satsang House, Drinking Water, dedicated parking, Solar Power House, landscaping etc.  In the Tourist Facilitation Centre constructed under this scheme, the Exhibition Galary inaugurated today has been developed by Shree Somnath Trust.

The development works of Juna Somnath Mandir Premises include a ramp for universal access, Courty Yard, sitting arrangements for the pilgrims, 15 shops, lift and two large halls with an expenditure of Rs. 3.5 crore by Shree Somnath Trust.

The proposed Parvatimata Mandir in Shree Somnath Temple premises would be a grand structure with an area of 1650 Met2 and 71 Ft. hight using Aras Stones from Ambaji, Banaskantha.  There would be 44 poles, as were there in the original temple, which would be created using Marble with an artistic way.  The core Garbh Grih of the Madir contais the land of 380 Met2, and Dance Mandap spreading 1250 Met2.

New projects under pipeline for the State of Gujarat under PRASHAD Scheme are: Development of Pilgrimage Amenities at Maa Ambaji Temple, Banaskantha and Development of Public Plaza / Entry Plaza at Somnath.

The Public Plaza/Entry Plaza would be state of art facility to manage the pilgrim’s movement and regulate the pedestrian movement in the temple premises. The state of art facility hosts parking facility for specially abled citizens and emergency vehicles (ambulance and firefighting). The entry plaza building will host facilities like rest rooms, cloak rooms, cafeteria, and other public facilities like gender-based toilets and pilgrims’ que complex with canopy to regulate crowd during peak time. The location of facility has been proposed in cognizance with the Master Plan prepared under Iconic Destination Development scheme (IDDS).  Under the project for Ambaji Temple, basic pilgrimage tourism infrastructure like Tourist Facility Centre, Parking, Public Amenities, Cloack Room, development of stairs at Gabbar Hill and other facilities are likely to be developed.

Development of Somnath has been proposed as one of the iconic tourism destinations by the Ministry of Tourism under its Integrated Destination Development Scheme (IDDS) for development of components such as Prabhas Patan Museum, Tourist Amenities, Haat etc.  A few regional interventions such as Keshod Airport, improvement of NH-51, development of Sea Plane services etc. for providing improved connectivity to Somnath, ensuring a comprehensive and broad development of the entire region are also proposed under this under consideration project.

In addition to above, following projects under Swadesh Dharshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism have been approved for the State Government of Gujarat:

Name of the Circuit Name of the Project Approved Cost

(Cr. Rs. )

 Funds released

(Cr. Rs.)

 Physical Progress
Heritage Circuit Development of Ahmedabad- Rajkot- Porbandar –Bardoli- Dandi (2016-17) 59.17 54.79 95%
Heritage Circuit Development of Vadnagar- Modhera

(2016-17)

 91.84 87.25 98%
Buddhist circuit Development of Junagadh- Gir Somnath- Bharuch-Kutch- Bhavnagar- Rajkot- Mehsana

( 2017-18 )

 28.67 19.21 93%

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