Why in the News?

  • Recently, Members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), led by K.C. Venugopal, criticized the Union Tourism Ministry for poorly carrying out the Swadesh Darshan scheme.
  • The scheme was meant to develop tourist routes based on themes across India.
  • However, PAC members pointed out serious problems with how it was carried out and the failure to meet its goals.
KEY REPORT FINDINGS The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report pointed out several issues with how the scheme was planned and carried out:
  • Lack of Feasibility Studies: The government didn’t properly check if the projects were possible before starting them.
  • Exceeding the Approved Budget: Due to bad planning, the government went over the budget for the projects.
  • Missing Detailed Project Plans: Approvals were given without detailed project reports, which raised concerns about how well the projects were planned.
  • No Project Evaluation: There was no system in place to check how well the projects were doing.
  • Unfinished Projects: The government was criticized for not finishing the projects on time.
MINISTRY’S RESPONSE V/S PAC FINDINGS The Ministry of Tourism said that 75 out of the 76 projects were finished. However, PAC members strongly disagreed. Key Unfinished or Non-Working Projects:
  • Kanwariya Route in Bihar
  • Tribal Circuit in Telangana
  • Sree Narayana Guru Ashram in Kerala
PAC members were unhappy with the Ministry’s response, saying they were misleading the committee and not fixing the problems. COMMITTEE’S DIRECTIVES The PAC has told the Ministry of Tourism to:
  • Inspect all the sanctioned projects in person.
  • Submit a detailed report within three weeks.

The report should include:

  • The actual status of the projects
  • How well they are being maintained and run
  • How well the projects are coordinated and carried out
  • The impact on job creation
  • The number of tourists visiting the projects

ABOUT SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME

  • Launched: 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism
  • Objective: To develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in India by creating thematic tourist circuits.
Funding: 100% centrally funded scheme.
  • Implementation:
    • The Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments, UT Administrations, and Central Agencies.
    • Operation & Maintenance (O&M) is the responsibility of the respective State/UT government.
  • Key Features:
    • Development of theme-based tourism circuits.
    • Infrastructure development including roads, signage, parking, and public amenities.
    • Focus on eco-tourism and heritage conservation.
This scheme promotes the development of well-planned, sustainable tourism destinations, enhancing both infrastructure and cultural conservation.

ABOUT PAC

Establishment:

  • Founded: 1921
  • Oldest Parliamentary Committee in India.
Purpose:
  • Audits revenue and expenditure of the Government of India.
  • Ensures public funds are used efficiently and legally.
Key Functions:
  1. Examine CAG Audit Report: Reviews the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit report on government expenditure.
  2. Proper Utilization of Funds: Ensures money sanctioned by Parliament is spent as intended.
  3. Investigate Irregularities: Identifies and investigates financial irregularities, inefficiencies, and losses in government spending.
Membership:
  • 22 Members total:
    • 15 members from Lok Sabha.
    • 7 members from Rajya Sabha.
Chairperson:
  • Lok Sabha MP.
  • Traditionally, the Chairperson is from the Opposition.
Term:
  • The term of the PAC is 1 year.
Restrictions:
  • Ministers are not allowed to be members of the PAC.