Previous Year Question
Swadesh Darshan Scheme launched by Government of India does not include the development of which of the following tourist circuit?
Heritage circuit
Sufi circuit
Ramayana circuit
Coastal circuit
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched in 2014-15 for the integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits in the country.
At the time relevant to the question, 13 thematic circuits had been identified under the scheme. These included North-East India, Buddhist, Himalayan, Coastal, Krishna, Desert, Tribal, Eco, Wildlife, Rural, Spiritual, Ramayana and Heritage Circuit.
Thus, Heritage Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Coastal Circuit were all included, whereas the Sufi Circuit was not included in the list of 13 identified circuits at that time.
Current Status (2026): The number of thematic circuits under Swadesh Darshan was subsequently increased to 15, and the Sufi Circuit was also included.
The scheme was later revamped as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 in 2022, shifting emphasis from the earlier circuit-centric approach towards the development of sustainable and responsible tourism destinations. By February 2026, 53 projects worth ₹2,208.31 crore had been sanctioned under SD 2.0.