Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2026 guidelines are available in PDF format from the Ministry of Tourism. The scheme, launched in 2014-15, gives Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to state governments and UT administrations for building tourism infrastructure in the country.
Ministry of Tourism revamped the scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. As per the latest official update, Swadesh Darshan scheme is approved till March 2026.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme 2026
India's rich cultural, historical, religious and natural heritage offers a huge scope for tourism growth and job creation. The government launched Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15 as a central sector scheme for the integrated development of theme based tourist circuits. Under the original scheme, the Ministry of Tourism sanctioned 76 projects across the country for developing circuits based on themes like culture, heritage, wildlife, coastal, spiritual, Himalayan, tribal and rural tourism.
In 2022, the Ministry of Tourism carried out a detailed review and revamped the scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0. The new version focuses on developing sustainable and responsible tourism destinations with both hard and soft interventions. It works on themes like culture and heritage, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, wellness tourism, MICE tourism, rural tourism, beach tourism and cruises.
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 53 projects for ₹2,208.31 crore till date. In addition, the Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan has sanctioned 38 projects for ₹697.94 crore. These details were shared by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Rajya Sabha in February 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Swadesh Darshan Scheme (Swadesh Darshan 2.0) |
| Launched By | Ministry of Tourism, Government of India |
| Launch Year | 2014-15 (revamped as SD2.0 in 2022) |
| Beneficiaries | State governments, UT administrations, central agencies |
| Projects Sanctioned | 53 projects under SD2.0 for ₹2,208.31 crore |
| CBDD Projects | 38 projects for ₹697.94 crore |
| Scheme Validity | Approved till March 2026 |
| Official Website | Ministry of Tourism website |
Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Guidelines PDF Download
The complete Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme guidelines were released by the Ministry of Tourism in April 2022. The PDF document covers the vision, mission, objectives, funding pattern, institutional framework and monitoring process of the scheme.
STEP 1 - Open the official Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme guidelines PDF hosted by the Ministry of Tourism.
STEP 2 - Read the chapters on scheme objectives, key principles, project preparation and funding pattern before preparing any project proposal.
STEP 3 - For the latest list of sanctioned projects and updates, check the official PIB release on Swadesh Darshan scheme.
Benefits of Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The scheme helps states and UTs in many ways. Main benefits are given below.
- Central Financial Assistance for tourism infrastructure: State governments and UT administrations get funds for developing tourist circuits, destinations and experiences.
- 100% centrally funded projects: The scheme is fully funded by the central government, so states do not need to share the project cost.
- Support for hard and soft interventions: Funds cover tourism infrastructure as well as skill development, marketing, digitization and capacity building.
- Job creation and local economy support: The scheme creates jobs and self-employment for local communities and improves tourism services.
Tourism Themes Covered
The scheme covers eight major tourism themes. All other themes fall under one of these categories.
- Culture and Heritage: Development of heritage sites, monuments and cultural experiences.
- Adventure Tourism: Adventure sports and related facilities at selected destinations.
- Eco-Tourism: Nature based tourism with focus on environment protection.
- Wellness Tourism: Wellness and health related tourism experiences.
- MICE Tourism: Meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions facilities.
- Rural Tourism: Village based tourism experiences.
- Beach Tourism: Coastal and beach destination development.
- Cruises: Ocean and inland cruise tourism.
Who Can Apply
Swadesh Darshan is not a scheme for individual citizens. State governments, UT administrations and central agencies can take part in it.
- State governments and UT administrations: They prepare State Perspective Plans and submit project proposals to the Ministry of Tourism.
- Central agencies: The Ministry can select a central agency for implementing any project under the scheme.
- Implementing agencies: Each state has to name an implementing agency for the approved projects.
Funding Pattern
The scheme is 100% centrally funded. Funds are released to the implementing agency in instalments based on project progress. Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, financial help is given as grant-in-aid, while operation and management of the created assets is done by the state government or UT administration.
Swadesh Darshan works along with other tourism schemes of the Ministry of Tourism. The PRASHAD scheme focuses on pilgrimage destinations, while Swadesh Darshan covers theme based circuits and destinations. For more central schemes, check the central government schemes list.
FAQ's
Is Swadesh Darshan scheme still running in 2026?
Yes. Swadesh Darshan scheme is approved till March 2026. Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, 53 projects have been sanctioned for ₹2,208.31 crore so far.
Where can I download Swadesh Darshan 2.0 guidelines PDF?
The official guidelines PDF is available on the Ministry of Tourism website. The direct download link is given in this article above.
Who can apply under Swadesh Darshan scheme?
State governments, UT administrations and central agencies can submit project proposals. Individual citizens cannot apply directly under this scheme.
What is CBDD under Swadesh Darshan?
Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) is a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan launched after Budget 2023-24 for the complete development of destinations. So far 38 projects have been sanctioned for ₹697.94 crore under CBDD.
