The Union Government is actively redesigning the PRASAD scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) to enhance pilgrim tourism across India. Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced this initiative during the Lok Sabha’s Question Hour on Monday. Shekhawat noted that the government has sanctioned 54 projects under this scheme over the last ten years.
The minister explained that the current structure of the scheme operates on a specific financial cycle, which is approaching its completion. Consequently, the Ministry of Culture is embarking on a redesign to strengthen and modernize the programme, ensuring it meets contemporary needs.
The PRASAD scheme, launched in 2014–15, aims at the development, beautification, and rejuvenation of major pilgrimage sites across India. Based on proposals from state governments, it focuses on enhancing the tourist infrastructure in these regions.
- Improve facilities and accessibility at pilgrimage sites.
- Provide better overall experiences for pilgrims and visitors.
- Encourage holistic tourist engagement by integrating spiritual sites into the broader tourism ecosystem.
With the intended redesign, the government aspires to not only modernize pilgrimage destinations but also bolster India’s cultural heritage through enhanced tourism initiatives.
Shekhawat asserted that the revitalization of the PRASAD scheme aligns with the government’s vision to promote India’s spiritual tourism, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors. By improving the pilgrimage experience, the initiative seeks to uplift local economies and create jobs in these areas.
Tourism experts welcome the proposed changes, emphasizing that well-maintained pilgrimage sites can significantly impact tourist footfall. The upgrade of facilities and infrastructure can also address pressing issues such as safety and convenience, which directly contribute to a pilgrim’s overall experience.
The initiative comes at a time when India is focusing on increasing its tourism contribution to the GDP, showcasing the importance of spiritual tourism in this pursuit. By successfully implementing the redesigned PRASAD scheme, the government aims to curtail local economic stagnation while tapping into a flourishing global market for spiritual travel.
As the redesign progresses, officials from the Ministry of Culture will continue to engage with state governments and local stakeholders to ensure the plans meet the expectations of pilgrims and promote sustainable tourism practices. The ministry will release more details on specific projects and expected timelines as the scheme’s new framework takes shape.
The PRASAD scheme’s transformation signifies the government’s commitment to preserving and enhancing India’s vast spiritual panorama, encouraging millions of devotees and tourists to explore the country’s rich cultural heritage.
