SASCI scheme

Source: DD News

Context: The Ministry of Tourism has released the operational guidelines for the SASCI scheme, aimed at developing iconic tourist sites into globally benchmarked destinations by 2026.

About SASCI scheme:

• What is SASCI? SASCI stands for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale. It is a centrally funded initiative to upgrade select tourist destinations through capital investment and innovation.

• SASCI stands for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale.

• It is a centrally funded initiative to upgrade select tourist destinations through capital investment and innovation.

• Ministry Involved: Implemented by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

• Objective of SASCI: To transform iconic Indian tourism destinations into world-class attractions. To enhance the end-to-end tourist experience, boost global competitiveness, and attract investments.

• To transform iconic Indian tourism destinations into world-class attractions.

• To enhance the end-to-end tourist experience, boost global competitiveness, and attract investments.

• Key Features of the Scheme: Comprehensive Development: Focuses on physical infrastructure, tourism services, and immersive experiences. State-Led Execution: Projects are proposed and managed by State Governments; Centre offers financial assistance. Two-Year Completion Window: Each project must be implemented within 24 months of approval. Tourism Value Chain Strengthening: Includes planning for connectivity, ecological sustainability, carrying capacity, branding, and site operations. Digital Promotion: Sites will be promoted through India’s global and domestic campaigns, including social media and events

• Comprehensive Development: Focuses on physical infrastructure, tourism services, and immersive experiences.

• State-Led Execution: Projects are proposed and managed by State Governments; Centre offers financial assistance.

• Two-Year Completion Window: Each project must be implemented within 24 months of approval.

• Tourism Value Chain Strengthening: Includes planning for connectivity, ecological sustainability, carrying capacity, branding, and site operations.

• Includes planning for connectivity, ecological sustainability, carrying capacity, branding, and site operations.

• Digital Promotion: Sites will be promoted through India’s global and domestic campaigns, including social media and events

• Significance of SASCI Scheme: Boosts tourism-driven economy and local employment generation. Enhances India’s global image as a culturally rich and infrastructure-ready destination. Encourages cooperative federalism by empowering States to innovate and execute.

• Boosts tourism-driven economy and local employment generation.

• Enhances India’s global image as a culturally rich and infrastructure-ready destination.

• Encourages cooperative federalism by empowering States to innovate and execute.