The Union Government is actively redesigning the PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) to foster pilgrim tourism, Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.
This decision comes as the scheme prepares for renewal after successfully funding 54 projects over the last ten years. Shekhawat addressed various queries during Question Hour, outlining the scheme’s evolution aimed at boosting tourist engagement at significant religious sites.
Shekhawat clarified that the original structure of the scheme, built around a specific financial cycle, now requires modernization. The Ministry’s goal is to enhance and upgrade this vital initiative to better serve the needs of pilgrims while promoting tourism across India.
The PRASAD scheme, first launched in 2014-15, concentrates on the development, beautification, and rejuvenation of major pilgrimage sites throughout the country. With tourism statistics showing increasing numbers in the sector, especially in regions with high pilgrimage footfall, the need for improvement has become apparent.
The primary aim of the scheme is to upgrade tourist infrastructure by focusing on several key areas:
- Enhancing tourist infrastructure to accommodate rising visitor numbers,
- Improving facilities and accessibility at pilgrimage sites,
- Providing a better overall experience for pilgrims and visitors.
As part of the redesign process, the government is examining feedback from past implementations and assessing future needs. This proactive approach seeks not only to modernize pilgrimage destinations but also to integrate them into a broader tourism ecosystem, thereby aligning them with international standards.
Fostering alliances with local communities and stakeholders appears to be at the forefront of this effort. Engaging local populations not only enhances the visitor experience but also provides economic benefits to the regions involved. By improving accessibility and services, the government aims to foster a sustainable tourism model.
Experts believe that the redesigned PRASAD scheme will significantly contribute to India’s economy by attracting more domestic and international pilgrims. Tourism contributes substantially to the GDP, and enhancing pilgrimage tourism can have positive ripple effects across various sectors.
In conclusion, the redesign of the PRASAD scheme represents a strategic move by the Union Government to invest in India’s cultural heritage and promote sustainable tourism. With the revised focus anticipated to roll out soon, stakeholders await the results that could redefine pilgrim tourism in the country.