Govt hikes budget for tourism projects in NE region

New Delhi: The government has hiked the Budget for launching tourism projects and schemes in the Northeast region and Sikkim by upto 10 times in the Interim Budget presented in Parliament.

The fund allocation was raised from Rs 11 crore in 2008-09 to Rs 100 crore for the 2009-10 for launching tourism projects in NE region and Sikkim.
The total Tourism Ministry allocation has been hiked to Rs 1,060 crore this time.

While Rs 54.20 crore is earmarked for domestic campaign, the ministry has got Rs 250 crore for overseas publicity.

The Tourism department has been allocated Rs 457 crore for the development tourist infrastructure in the country.

This fund would 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 would also be utilised for rural tourism projects in selected villages.