The Union Government is actively redesigning the PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) to boost pilgrim tourism. Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed the Lok Sabha on Monday that this initiative aims to enhance the experience for visitors to major pilgrimage sites across India.
During the Question Hour, Shekhawat revealed that the government has sanctioned 54 projects under the PRASAD scheme in the last ten years. He noted that the scheme is currently closing a financial cycle, which prompted the government to initiate the redesign process to strengthen and upgrade the program.
Launched in 2014–15, the PRASAD scheme targets the development, beautification, and rejuvenation of India’s key pilgrimage sites. The initiative centers on enhancing tourist infrastructure and improving facilities to provide an overall better experience for both pilgrims and visitors.
The minister emphasized that this redesign focuses on fostering a modern atmosphere in pilgrimage destinations, integrating them into a broader tourism framework. By upgrading facilities, the government aims to promote temple tourism and attract more visitors to these sacred sites.
The PRASAD scheme operates based on proposals from state governments, ensuring that local needs and potential are taken into account. Its goals include:
- Enhancing tourist infrastructure significantly,
- Improving accessibility and facilities for all visitors,
- Offering a seamless overall experience for pilgrims.
With the redesign underway, the government anticipates it will strengthen the pilgrimage infrastructure and optimize the management of pilgrim traffic. Such developments are crucial, considering India’s rich heritage and diverse spiritual landscape.
Tourism experts highlight the importance of pilgrim tourism, suggesting that a well-implemented PRASAD scheme could lead to increased footfall, generating revenue and creating jobs in local markets. This approach not only uplifts local economies but also preserves and promotes cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the integration of modern technologies, such as mobile applications for information and booking, could significantly improve the pilgrim experience. Ensuring a well-connected transport network would also facilitate ease of access to remote pilgrimage sites.
Citing the broader impact, Minister Shekhawat stated, “The redesign of the PRASAD scheme represents our commitment to enhancing the spiritual journey of millions while also supporting local communities economically.”
With this move, the Centre demonstrates a proactive approach to cater to the ever-increasing demand for spiritual tourism and to forge a holistic development path for pilgrimage sites across the country. The revisions aim not only to attract domestic travelers but also to position India as a leading destination for international spiritual tourism.
