Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) under Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Why in News?

In the Union Budget 2025–26, the Ministry of Tourism has earmarked 4.3 % of the total scheme outlay under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) component of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SD)– It is a Central Sector Scheme to develop theme-based tourist circuits across India.
• Launched in - 2014‑15.
• Implemented by – State Governments/UT Administrations.
• Nodal Ministry – Ministry of Tourism.

SD 2.0 for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits through infrastructure, human capital, and destination management, in a sustainable and destination‑centric manner.

• Tribal Components - Tribal Area Sub Plan & Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM-JUGA).

PM-JUGA aims to drive inclusive, sustainable growth and empower tribal communities to overcome the basic infrastructure and socio-economic challenges by merging a few government schemes.

• Tribal sub plan (TSP) - It is a dedicated component under swadesh dhrashan scheme, focuses on developing tribal areas, preserving their cultural heritage, and integrating tribal communities into the tourism value chain.
• Objectives – To ensures focused investment in Scheduled Tribes-dominated regions by facilitating cultural preservation economic upliftment, and inclusive tourism growth.
• Recent Initiatives - Tribal circuit theme – To enhance visibility of tribal heritage and integrate tribal communities into the tourism value chain, while supporting sustainable and regionally balanced development.
• Home stays in tribal areas – Development of Homestays in Tribal Areas under PM-JUGA, enhancing livelihood opportunities for tribal communities.
• Guidelines ensure support for technical training and upskilling of homestay owners.
  • Target – Development of 1,000 homestays in tribal areas.
• Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Certification Programme (IITF) – A digital initiative creating and online learning platform to creating pool of well trained and professional Tourist Facilitators and Tourist Guides.
• It provides basic, advanced heritage and adventure spoken language and refresher courses for candidates.
• Fee exemption is given to SC and ST Candidates.

No specific, independent impact assessment focused exclusively on SC, ST or OBC participation under Swadesh Darshan or Dekho Apna Desh.

Quick facts

Reference

PIB| Swadesh Dharsan Scheme