Government provides substantial hike for tourism projects in North East region and Sikkim

According to a PTI report, government has hiked the budget for launching tourism projects and schemes in the North East region and Sikkim by up to ten times in the Interim Budget presented in the Parliament yesterday. The fund allocation was raised from Rs 11 crore in 2008-2009 to Rs 100 crore for the 2009-2010 for launching tourism projects in North East region and Sikkim. The total allocation for Ministry of Tourism (MoT) has been hiked to Rs 1,060 crore this time. While Rs 54.20 crore is earmarked for domestic campaign, MoT has got Rs 250 crore for overseas publicity. MoT has been allocated Rs 457 crore for the development tourist infrastructure in the country. This fund will be utilised to construct wayside amenities, reception centres, refurbishment of monuments, special tourism projects, adventure and sports facilities, sound and light shows. The infrastructure fund will also be utilised for Rural Tourism projects in select villages.