The Ministry of Tourism has initiated a vital step towards enhancing India’s tourism infrastructure by engaging a team of private professionals for the implementation of its key destination development schemes, namely Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Prashad. These schemes are designed to develop “world-class infrastructure” at tourist destinations, elevate tourist experiences, and foster community participation, with the overarching goal of establishing India as a premier global tourism destination.
The newly formed National Programme Management Unit (NPMU) will play an instrumental role in this process. Tasked with reviewing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and evaluating design plans, the NPMU will ensure that proposals are not only feasible but also adhere to industry standards.
The ministry has already begun the bidding process for the NPMU, receiving over 170 inquiries thus far. Officials anticipate that the selection process will conclude this month, leading to the issuance of a Letter of Award to the winning bidder.
Once appointed, the NPMU will integrate existing individual Project Management Units (PMUs) from various schemes into a cohesive team focused on realizing the government’s vision for global tourism prominence. This team, which will consist of 16 professionals, will also manage future schemes or sub-schemes created by the ministry. In addition to developing DPRs and Master Plans, the NPMU will monitor and evaluate deliverables from Project Development and Management Consultants (PDMCs), state implementing agencies, and other relevant departments.
Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, the ministry has already identified 57 destinations earmarked for sustainable and responsible tourism development. Project Development and Management Consultants have been appointed across various states, and the inception reports, along with the first iteration of master plans, have been completed. The DPRs for these projects are currently at an advanced stage. Meanwhile, the revamped Prashad scheme—launched in 2014-15—focuses on the sustainable and responsible development of pilgrimage sites.
In a bid to enhance the efficacy of its developmental schemes, the ministry has also committed to conducting an assessment of its Central assistance programs, including both iterations of Swadesh Darshan and Prashad. For this review, the ministry plans to collaborate with an Indian Institute of Management to evaluate outcomes and guide future developments, reported The New Indian Express.
Officials have emphasized that the NPMU will oversee, coordinate, and manage the implementation of all tourism destination schemes, while also providing essential support to the ministry in conceptualizing and formulating guidelines for the holistic and inclusive development of tourism in India.
