Shri Shripad Yesso Naik assumes charge of Ministry of Culture

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Culture Shri Shripad Yesso Naik here today assumed charge of his office. 

Later, the Minister was briefed on the key initiatives and policy frame work of the Ministry by Secretary, Culture and other senior officials of the Ministry. 

Fact Sheet on Puducherry

General Elections 2014 Fact sheet - 27

The 16^th Lok Sabha elections would be held in the lone Parliamentary Constituency of Puducherry on April 24, 2014. Polling will be held at 875 polling stations spread across 557 polling station locations. Out of the state’s total of 8,85,925 electors as on  6^th January 2014, 12.96% are in the age group 18–25, while women constitute 51.99%. The poll expenditure limit per candidate in the state is Rs.54 lakhs.

Development of Rural Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism has a Rural Tourism Scheme with the main objective of showcasing rural life, art, culture and heritage in villages, which have core competence in art & craft, handloom, textiles, natural environment etc. 

Under this scheme, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) upto Rs.50.00 Lakh for infrastructure development and upto Rs.20.00 Lakh for capacity building is provided to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for each identified site by them.

Development, implementation, identification and promotion of tourism projects including those related to rural areas is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. 

The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) sanctions and releases Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to various State Governments/Union Territory Administration after receipt of the proposals from them subject to availability of funds, inter-se priority and adherence to the scheme guidelines.

Rural Tourism helps in employment generation, enhances earning capacity, checks migration and provides better livelihood for the rural population by participation of the local communities. 

Rural tourism also promotes inclusive development in remote and backward areas. Landscaping and improvement of roads within the Panchayat limits are some of the components of the Rural Tourism Scheme for which CFA is provided to the State Governments/UT Administrations.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) Shri K. Chiranjeevi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.