States Invited to Tap into SASCI Scheme for Iconic Tourist Revamp

Prelims-testable facts

• 01The Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines for the SASCI scheme in 2024-25.
• 02The SASCI scheme aims to develop iconic tourist centres in India with global branding and marketing.
• 0340 projects were sanctioned across 23 states under the SASCI scheme in 2024-25 with 100% central funding.
• 04The total funding allocated for the 40 projects under the SASCI scheme was ₹3295.76 Crore.
• 05The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) is responsible for facilitating convergence and coordinated development under the SASCI scheme.
• 06A Program Management Information System (PMIS) has been developed by the Ministry of Tourism to monitor destination development related schemes.
• 07States which did not avail funds under Part-III of SASCI 2024-25 are eligible to avail Special Assistance of not more than Rs.250 crores for tourism projects under Part-II of SASCI 2025-26.

Trap alerts

• Most people think the SASCI scheme provides loans, but actually it provides interest-free funding.
• Most people think the SASCI scheme is only for infrastructure development, but actually it covers branding and marketing as well.
• Most people think the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) is responsible for implementing the SASCI scheme, but actually it facilitates convergence and coordinated development.