The Government of India launched the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme in 2014-2015 under the Ministry of Tourism. The program aims to develop and identify tourist destinations across India to boost religious tourism. The scheme’s primary objective is to integrate tourist attractions in a prioritized, organized, and sustainable manner, thereby enhancing awareness and infrastructure for religious tourism.
Changes in the Scheme as of 2024
Since its inception, the PRASAD Scheme has undergone several changes to address the evolving needs of religious tourism. The program now includes a broader range of cities and sites, with a stronger emphasis on sustainable development and public-private partnerships (PPP). In 2024, additional cities have been added to the scheme, and there is a renewed focus on environmentally friendly approaches and community involvement in the projects.
Budget Related Brief
In 2017-2018, the budget allocation for the PRASAD Scheme included Rs. 100 crores, part of the Ministry of Tourism’s total budget of Rs. 1,840.77 crores. This allocation aimed to support the development of pilgrimage sites and related infrastructure. An additional Rs. 959.91 million was allocated for Integrated Tourism Development under the Swadesh Darshan programme, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure.
Benefits of the Scheme
The PRASAD Scheme offers several benefits aimed at rejuvenating religious tourism in India:
1. Infrastructure Improvement: Enhances access points such as roads, rail, and water transport, ensuring better connectivity to pilgrimage sites.
2. Tourism Growth: Promotes increased tourist flow to religious destinations, boosting local economies.
3. Heritage Conservation: Aids in the conservation and development of ancient monuments, shrines, and historic buildings.
4. Employment Generation: Creates job opportunities in areas surrounding pilgrimage sites, contributing to local economic development.
5. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourages voluntary support from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and PPPs, enhancing project sustainability.
Data Points
– Cities Identified: Key cities under the PRASAD Scheme include Amritsar, Kedarnath, Mathura, Ajmer, Varanasi, Gaya, Kamakhya, Dwaraka, Puri, Amaravati, Kanchipuram, and Velankanni.
– Budget Allocation: Rs. 100 crores allocated annually for the scheme from the Ministry of Tourism’s budget.
– Employment Impact: Significant job creation potential in tourism and related sectors.
Analysis of the Scheme
Despite the substantial efforts and investments made by the Government of India, the PRASAD Scheme has faced challenges. A parliamentary committee formed in 2018 highlighted several issues, including poor conceptualization and lack of cooperation between central and provincial governments. The committee noted that provinces often have their own tourism policies, leading to discrepancies and delays in the scheme’s implementation.
The PRASAD Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Tourism, aims to prioritize, plan, and sustainably develop pilgrimage destinations across India. While the scheme has the potential to significantly boost religious tourism and create employment, its success depends on efficient implementation and better coordination between central and state governments. If these challenges are addressed, the PRASAD Scheme could play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s religious tourism landscape and preserving its rich cultural heritage.
