The Union Government is redesigning the PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) to boost pilgrim tourism. Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat made this announcement in the Lok Sabha on Monday during Question Hour.
In response to supplementary questions, Shekhawat highlighted that the government had sanctioned 54 projects under the scheme over the past ten years. He explained that the current structure of the scheme, which relies on a specific financial cycle, is nearing completion. As such, the Ministry is undertaking a redesign to strengthen and enhance the programme, ensuring it meets evolving needs.
Launched in 2014–15, the PRASAD scheme primarily focuses on enhancing major pilgrimage sites across India. Its objective is the development, beautification, and rejuvenation of these sites, making them more attractive to tourists.
The PRASAD scheme centers around proposals from state governments, aiming to accomplish several key goals:
- Enhance tourist infrastructure to accommodate growing visitor numbers,
- Improve facilities and accessibility for a broader range of pilgrims,
- Offer a significantly better overall experience to all visitors.
Currently, the government is reevaluating its strategy to ensure that pilgrimage destinations are not just appealing but also integrated into the wider tourism ecosystem. Enhancing these sites provides a vital opportunity to contribute to the local economy and culture.
Shekhawat emphasized that modernizing pilgrimage sites can generate substantial economic benefits, as improved facilities can attract larger crowds. By enhancing tourist pathways, visitor amenities, and religious infrastructure, the initiative aims to transform pilgrimage tourism into a sustainable economic driver.
The government is also focusing on collaborations with local stakeholders to foster a sense of community ownership in these development projects. As a result, the PRASAD scheme is expected to become more effective in promoting local heritage while benefiting the spiritual and economic interests of residents.
As the redesign of the PRASAD scheme unfolds, it signals the government’s commitment to elevating pilgrim tourism. The initiative highlights a growing recognition of the importance of cultural and religious tourism in India’s economic landscape.
By revitalizing historic pilgrimage sites, the government aims to maintain India’s status as a premier global spiritual tourism destination. This strategy aligns with the broader goal of promoting India’s diverse culture and traditions on the international stage while providing self-sustaining growth for local communities.
In conclusion, the upcoming changes to the PRASAD scheme represent a significant shift towards revitalizing pilgrim tourism. With 54 projects already completed and more in the pipeline, the government appears poised to forge a new path for the future of spiritual travel in India.
