Government Schemes and Policies

5.1 Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020

The Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020 replaced the 2015 policy and covers 2020–2030. Key provisions:

Policy Area	Key Provision
Heritage Hotels	Simplified conversion approvals; single-window clearance
Homestay Promotion	₹10,000–₹50,000 one-time grant per approved homestay; subsidy on furniture
Adventure Tourism	Four designated adventure zones; operator licensing framework
MICE Tourism	Jaipur Convention Centre development; incentives for international conferences
Rural Tourism	Community tourism cluster development in 50 villages
Film Tourism	Subsidy framework (formalized in 2022 Film Tourism Policy)
Investment Promotion	6-year capital subsidy for new hotels ≥50 rooms
Employment	Target: 6 lakh additional tourism-linked jobs by 2030

Source: Rajasthan Tourism Policy 2020, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan

5.2 Central Government Schemes Active in Rajasthan

Scheme	Nodal Ministry	Rajasthan Beneficiaries
Swadesh Darshan Scheme	Ministry of Tourism	Rajasthan received funding for Heritage Circuit, Desert Circuit, and Tribal Circuit development
PRASAD Scheme	Ministry of Tourism	Ajmer Sharif, Pushkar, Nathdwara developed as PRASAD pilgrimage sites
Incredible India Campaign	Ministry of Tourism	Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer featured in all international campaigns
Smart Cities Mission	Min. of Housing & Urban Affairs	Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur included; Smart City plans integrate tourism infrastructure
National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation	Min. of Tourism	Ajmer, Pushkar, Nathdwara included
Adventure Tourism Policy (draft 2023)	Ministry of Tourism	Rajasthan identified as a lead adventure state

Source: Ministry of Tourism Annual Report 2024-25; Rajasthan Tourism Department Reports

5.3 Paryatan Mitra Scheme

The Paryatan Mitra scheme, implemented by RTDC in coordination with Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC), trains local youth in:

• English and French language basics for tourist interaction
• First aid and tourist safety protocols
• Heritage site history and storytelling
• Responsible tourism and waste management

Trained Paryatan Mitras are deployed at major tourist sites and serve as informal brand ambassadors. The scheme targets youth from districts with major tourist footfall — Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur.

5.4 Heritage Conservation and Tourism Integration

The Government of Rajasthan, through the State Department of Archaeology and Museums and in partnership with the ASI, manages 30+ centrally protected and 200+ state-protected monuments. Key conservation-tourism integration initiatives:

• Sound and Light Shows (Mehrangarh, Amber, Chittorgarh, Nahargarh): Evening heritage experience extending tourist stay duration.
• Night Heritage Walk (Jaisalmer, Bundi, Jaipur Walled City): Guided heritage walks generating late-evening economic activity.
• Conservation Surcharge: ₹50–200 additional fee on monument tickets directed to conservation fund (Rajasthan Heritage Conservation Fund, established 2018).

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