PRASHAD Scheme

PRASHAD Scheme Latest News

Recently, a Parliamentary committee has asked the government to develop a “clear-cut Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)” and obtain prior clearances and approvals from relevant authorities for timely completion of projects in the Spiritual Tourism Circuits under the PRASHAD scheme.

About PRASHAD Scheme

• Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014.
• It is an initiative that aimed at transforming the cultural preservation and spiritual travelling across identified pilgrimage destinations.
• Objectives of PRASHAD Scheme
  • Upgrading and maintaining the strength of the infrastructure of pilgrimage destinations that includes the roads, water supply, sanitation and waste management system. 
  • Improving the travel conditions for the travellers by improving the connectivity through road, rail and airways. 
  • Starting conservation projects that help in preserving and conserving the pilgrimage sites of cultural and spiritual significance. 
  • It advocates the cultural, religious and spiritual significance of pilgrimage sites attracting domestic and international tourists.
  • Creating opportunities for the local communities through skill development and livelihood generation programmes that relate with pilgrimage tourism. 
  • Adopting sustainable development practices that promote eco-friendly tourism. 
• Key Components of PRASHAD Scheme
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Upgrading roads
  • Connectivity Enhancement:
  • Pilgrim Experience Augmentation
• Funding for PRASHAD Scheme: It is funded on a 100% public funding model for eligible project components. Additionally, the scheme incorporates voluntary contributions through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

PRASHAD Scheme FAQs

Q1: Which ministry is responsible for the Prashad scheme?

Ans: Ministry of Tourism

Q2: When was the PRASAD scheme launched?

Ans: 13 June 2014

Q3: How many cities are under the PRASAD Scheme?

Ans: 41 cities in 25 states have been identified under the scheme.

Source: TH