PRASHAD scheme

The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme is a central government initiative launched in 2014 with the mission of developing and promoting pilgrimage sites across India. The scheme aims to create world-class infrastructure and amenities for pilgrims and tourists visiting these sites, while also promoting their spiritual and cultural significance.

The vision of the PRASHAD scheme is to achieve the following objectives:

• Promote pilgrimage tourism: The scheme aims to promote pilgrimage tourism in India by developing and improving the infrastructure and facilities at pilgrimage sites. By enhancing the spiritual and cultural experience of pilgrims and tourists, the scheme aims to increase the number of visitors to these sites and support local communities.
• Preserve India's cultural heritage: The PRASHAD scheme aims to preserve and showcase India's rich cultural heritage and religious traditions by promoting and developing pilgrimage sites. The scheme also aims to promote sustainable tourism practices and preserve the natural and cultural environment surrounding these sites.
• Boost local economies: The scheme aims to support the development of local economies by promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

The PRASHAD scheme has specific criteria for selecting and developing pilgrimage sites. The criteria include:

• The site should have cultural, religious, and historical significance.
• The site should have a minimum of 500,000 visitors annually.
• The site should have adequate infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims and tourists, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and sanitation.
• The site should be easily accessible by road, rail or air.

Under the PRASHAD scheme, the central government provides financial assistance to state governments and other implementing agencies for developing and improving the infrastructure and facilities at pilgrimage sites. The scheme also includes provisions for promoting sustainable tourism practices and preserving the natural and cultural environment surrounding these sites.