The Ministry of Tourism recently inaugurated various elements of the “Development of Govardhan, Mathura” project under the PRASHAD Scheme, aimed at boosting tourism infrastructure within Uttar Pradesh. The government has also allocated resources via the Swadesh Darshan scheme to improve spiritual circuits such as the Ramayana and Buddha circuits.
Understanding the PRASHAD Scheme
Launched in 2014-15 by the Ministry of Tourism, the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive’ (PRASAD) aims to develop identified pilgrimage destinations holistically. In October 2017, its name was changed to the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD). Following the discontinuation of the HRIDAY scheme, heritage destination development was added to this initiative, resulting in the revised PRASHAD scheme.
Numerous religious cities and sites, including Amaravati and Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh), Kamakhya (Assam), Parasuram Kund (Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh), Patna and Gaya (Bihar), have been earmarked for development under the PRASHAD Scheme. Agencies identified by respective State/Union Territory Governments are tasked with implementing projects under this scheme.
Funding Mechanism of PRASHAD Scheme
The Central Government contributes 100% to the funding for project components available for public financing. The scheme also aims to tap into voluntary funding from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to enhance project sustainability.
The PRASHAD Scheme’s objectives include harnessing pilgrimage tourism for employment generation and economic growth, promoting pro-poor tourism and community-based development. It also encourages leveraging public expertise and capital, sustainably enhancing tourist attractiveness and raising local community awareness about tourism’s benefits.
About the Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Launched in 2014-15, the Swadesh Darshan Scheme aims for integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits within India. The scheme identifies 15 thematic circuits, including the Buddhist Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, North East Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, and more.
Under this scheme, the Ministry of Tourism offers Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for infrastructure development within these circuits. The scheme aims to work with others such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Skill India, and Make in India with the goal of boosting tourism’s potential as a significant job creator and economic driver.
Other Government Tourism Initiatives
Besides the PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan Schemes, the government has also implemented other tourism-related projects like the ‘Adopt A Heritage Project’, ‘Development of Iconic Tourist Sites’, and ‘DekhoApnaDesh’. These initiatives aim to highlight India’s rich heritage and diverse culture, encouraging citizens and tourists to explore and value Indian destinations.
