The Central Government has approved 40 projects across 23 states under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, with a focus on developing iconic tourist destinations to meet global standards. The announcement was made by Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Thursday.
The initiative includes interest-free loans totaling ₹3,295 crore to assist states in enhancing tourism sites and infrastructure. Among these projects, the Savadatti Yellammana Gudda temple in Karnataka has received the highest allocation of ₹100 crore.
The SASCI scheme provides states with 50-year interest-free loans for the comprehensive development of iconic tourist centers. The Union Finance Ministry gave the green light earlier this week, and operational guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Tourism to kickstart the projects. The scheme emphasizes international branding and marketing of these sites while encouraging the development of lesser-known tourist locations.
Selected projects include Savadatti Yellammana Gudda in Belagavi (Karnataka), Roerich and Devika Rani Estate at Tataguni (Bengaluru), Bateshwar (Uttar Pradesh), Ponda (Goa), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), and Porbandar (Gujarat). These sites were chosen after regional consultations and the submission of detailed proposals by state governments.
Focus on Savadatti Yellammana Gudda
Savadatti Yellammana Gudda, a prominent pilgrimage site in Karnataka, will undergo comprehensive development under the SASCI scheme. The project includes modern infrastructure to enhance the convenience of devotees. Belagavi MP and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar expressed gratitude for the ₹100 crore grant, marking it as a major milestone for the region.
“This project will significantly enhance the temple’s infrastructure and promote it as a major cultural and tourism hub,” Shettar said.
This grant is part of the scheme’s component to develop iconic tourist centers of global scale. With Savadatti Yellammana Gudda being one of two sites in Karnataka selected under SASCI, the project is expected to boost tourism, create jobs, and contribute to the region’s cultural preservation.