New Delhi, 20 MAR 2025
The Ministry of Tourism under the “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage destinations. Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 48 projects in 27 States/UTs. The current status of these projects is given in the annexure.
Under the PRASHAD Scheme, infrastructure development is undertaken in an inclusive, integrated, and sustainable manner that focuses on livelihoods, skills, cleanliness, security, accessibility, and service delivery. The scheme contributes to employment generation while also enhancing awareness and fostering skill and capacity development of the local communities.
The successful initiatives/interventions under the PRASHAD scheme that have made a significant impact on pilgrimage tourism and thereby enriched the pilgrim experience includes the development of tourist facilitation centres, sound and light shows, multi-storied car parking, dedicated parking areas, and the development of ghats, etc. Additionally, solid waste management systems, solar panels, and CCTV installations have been implemented to ensure sustainability, and safety.
The Government of India under the guidelines for Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) for Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale has approved 40 projects across 23 States for an amount of Rs. 3295.76 Crore. The objective of the scheme is to develop iconic tourist centres in the country, branding, and marketing them at global scale. The scheme envisages the local economy growth and create employment opportunities through sustainable tourism projects.
Under the PRASHAD Scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for the development of tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage destinations.
Through both the schemes, the Ministry of Tourism aims to enhance the country’s tourism landscape by adopting a holistic approach to infrastructure development.
This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
(Source: PIB)
