Chennai, Aug 6 (KNN) The development and promotion of various tourism destinations and products is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government Administration, Tourism Ministry said.

The Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, Shripad Yesso Naik informed Parliament that the Ministry of Tourism, however, provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments and UT Administrations for tourism projects prioritized in consultation with them for each financial year, subject to availability of funds, inter-se priority and adherence to scheme guidelines.

The Tourism Ministry has sanctioned Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for several tourism projects in different states.

The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned total CFA of Rs 129.90 crore for tourism projects to the State Government of Uttar Pradesh during the financial year 2013-14.

For Tamil Nadu CFA of Rs 2041.97 lakh was sanctioned, whereas the amount released was Rs 1116.17 lakh, out of which Rs 196.15 lakh was utilized during for the financial year 2012-13.

For the development of Karnataka Tourism for the financial year 2013-14, the Ministry had sanctioned Rs 3228.71 lakh; amount released was Rs 665.74 lakh, whereas the amount has not yet been utilized.

For Madhya Pradesh, for the ongoing Tourism Projects including historical and archaeological importance which was sanctioned to the state during 11th and 12th Plan Period, the total amount sanctioned during financial year 2013-14 was Rs 9963.29 lakh, amount released was Rs 1992.64 lakh, whereas the  UC received was Rs 590.41 lakh. The projects are likely to be completed by 2016. (KNN/SD)