In a bid to promote tourism in the region, the Tourism and Culture Ministry under the leadership of Prahalad Singh Patel has sanctioned 18 projects worth Rs 1,456 crores, covering all the North Eastern states. 

So far the government has implemented several schemes to raise awareness regarding local tourism for domestic as well as international tourists. The ministry has undertaken several activities to push North East India as a tourist destination, including release of television campaigns on Doordarshan and other private channels, production of publicity material, creatives and television commercials on the region. 

In addition to this, the theme of India pavilion at this year&rsquos South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) was North East India. Complimentary space has been provided to the North Eastern states for their participation at the India pavilion which has been set up by the ministry at major international travel fairs and exhibitions. In order to further highlight the travel potential of the region, the ministry organised an annual India tourism Mart which will help to increase the local tourism market. 

The government plans to provide 100% assistance to North Eastern states for organising fairs and festivals as opposed to the 50% financial assistance that other states get. As per norm, the projects under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD scheme are sanctioned, subject to availability of funds, submission of project details, and adherence to guidelines. 

A major highlight of this project is that Kaziranga has been identified as one of the 17 sites for development in the country under the Development of Iconic Tourist Site scheme.