PAC evaluates Keralam tourism projects aboard a backwater houseboat

PAC Tourist Meeting in houseboat from Kumarakom to Alappuzha. Foto: Zvláštní ujednání

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Congress leader KC Venugopal, on Friday (November 6, 2026) held what it described as a first-of-its-kind meeting aboard a houseboat in the backwaters of Alappuzha to discuss tourism development initiatives and review the implementation of the Swadesh Darshan Center project at the Golf Club of India (SAI) and the SAI Sports Authority of India.

Sharing details of the meeting at X, Mr. Venugopal said the committee along with representatives of the Union Ministry of Tourism, SAI and Kerala Government discussed ways to strengthen tourism infrastructure and explore new destinations and opportunities for tourism development in the state.

“Tourism is an integral part of Kerala’s economy and thousands of domestic and international tourists visit our beautiful state throughout the year. Our endeavor is to ensure that the infrastructure meets global standards and also explore new destinations and opportunities for tourism development,” he said.

According to sources, the PAC members were critical of the implementation of the Swadesh Darshan scheme, a centrally funded program launched in 2014-15 to create themed tourism circuits across the country. Members said several projects were approved without adequate planning and in many cases without resolving land acquisition requirements beforehand.

Sources said concerns were also raised over the lack of a robust monitoring mechanism to monitor the progress of projects after sanction. Members suggested promoting lesser-known destinations alongside established tourist centers. The issue of hotel tariffs was also discussed, with concerns about high room rates even in the off-season. Members suggested exploring mechanisms to monitor pricing practices and improve affordability for visitors. BJP MPs Jagdambika Pal, Aparajita Sarangi and K. Laxman also attended the meeting.

Published