The Prasad Tourism Scheme, also known as the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive, is an initiative by the Indian government to enhance religious tourism. Planning a trip to a culturally rich destination like Vietnam can be exciting, but also overwhelming. SIXT.VN offers comprehensive travel solutions to simplify your journey, from airport transfers to hotel bookings. Discover Vietnam’s spiritual side with ease and convenience, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience with SIXT.VN’s support.
1. Understanding the Prasad Tourism Scheme
The Prasad Tourism Scheme, initially known as Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD), was launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in 2014-2015. In October 2017, it was renamed the “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).” It is a central sector scheme focused on developing and beautifying pilgrimage destinations to enhance religious tourism.
1.1. Key Objectives of the Prasad Tourism Initiative
The core objective of the PRASAD scheme is to integrate the development of pilgrimage destinations in a prioritized, planned, and sustainable manner. This approach aims to provide tourists with a complete religious tourism experience.
Here’s a breakdown of its main goals:
- Enhance Tourism Attractiveness: The scheme aims to sustainably increase the appeal of pilgrimage sites.
- Harness Pilgrimage Tourism: By promoting pilgrimage tourism, the scheme seeks to boost employment generation and foster economic development.
- Promote Local Culture: The initiative aims to support and showcase local art, culture, handicrafts, and cuisine.
- Develop World-Class Infrastructure: The scheme focuses on establishing high-quality infrastructure at religious destinations.
- Community-Based Development: It emphasizes community involvement and pro-poor tourism concepts in the creation of pilgrimage venues.
- Utilize Public Sector Resources: The scheme aims to leverage resources and expertise from the public sector.
1.2. Evolution from PRASAD to PRASHAD
Initially, the PRASAD scheme focused on the development and beautification of identified pilgrimage destinations, aligning with the HRIDAY Scheme. However, after the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs discontinued the HRIDAY Scheme, PRASAD was renamed PRASHAD. This evolution broadened its scope to include the development of heritage destinations as well.
1.3. Pilgrimage and Rural Tourism
The scheme recognizes the close relationship between pilgrimage and rural tourism. Many significant pilgrimage centers are located near rural areas, contributing to job creation and the growth of ancillary infrastructure. This connection benefits both visitors and local residents, fostering a symbiotic relationship.
1.4. Financial Assistance and Implementation
The Ministry of Tourism provides financial support to State Governments, Union Territory Administrations, and Central Agencies through the “Swadesh Darshan” and “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASAD) programs. This assistance aims to develop the nation’s tourism infrastructure. The corresponding State/Union Territory Government is responsible for implementing the projects outlined under this scheme through designated agencies.
2. What are the Key Components of the Prasad Tourism Scheme?
The Prasad Tourism Scheme includes several key components designed to enhance the overall pilgrimage experience. These components cover various aspects, from online presence to infrastructure development and capacity building.
2.1. Infrastructure Development
The scheme emphasizes the development of essential infrastructure at pilgrimage sites.
This includes:
- Basic Amenities: Development of lighting and illumination using renewable energy sources, eco-friendly modes of transport, first aid centers, drinking water facilities, waiting rooms, toilets, parking areas, craft bazaars, souvenir shops, cafeterias, and rain shelters.
- Connectivity: Development of basic tourism facilities such as road, rail, and water transport, along with last-mile connectivity.
- Information and Interpretation Centers: Establishing information centers, money exchange counters, and ATMs.
- Emergency Services: Providing wayside amenities with emergency vehicle repair, breakdown, and refueling facilities.
2.2. Capacity Development and Skill Enhancement
The scheme also focuses on building the capacity of local communities and enhancing their skills related to tourism.
This includes:
- Education and Training: Broadening travel and hospitality education and training, engaging vocational training providers.
- Knowledge Management: Documenting and preserving the knowledge base in tourism for future use.
- Local Expertise: Emphasizing the tapping of local potential and expertise in arts and crafts.
- Skill Development Programs: Implementing short-duration skill development and training programs like ‘Hunar Se Rozgar Tak’ and ‘Earn While You Learn’.
2.3. Online Presence and Digital Integration
Recognizing the importance of digital connectivity, the scheme includes components to enhance online presence.
These components include:
- Data Analysis and Reporting: Implementing systems for data analysis and reporting to monitor the scheme’s progress.
- Project Management System: Developing a project management system to efficiently manage and track various projects under the scheme.
- GIS-Based Portal Development: Creating GIS-based interactive and intelligent portals and mobile applications for tourists.
- Knowledge Portals: Establishing permission-based knowledge portals to provide comprehensive information to stakeholders.
2.4. Eligible and Ineligible Project Components
Under the Prasad Tourism Scheme, certain project elements are eligible for Central Financial Assistance, while others are not.
Eligible Components:
- Online presence, including data analysis, project management systems, and GIS-based portals.
- Capacity development, skill development, and knowledge management, including education, training, and documentation.
- Infrastructure development, including first aid centers, toilet facilities, passenger terminals, signage, communication improvements, and restoration of historic structures.
Ineligible Components:
- Resettlement and rehabilitation packages.
- Operation, maintenance, and management of created assets.
- Improvements or investments in assets owned by private entities.
- Land acquisition for development.
3. What Cities Are Covered Under the Prasad Tourism Scheme?
The Prasad Tourism Scheme initially identified 12 cities for the development of pilgrimage and heritage destinations. These cities were selected based on their rich heritage and cultural history.
3.1. List of Identified Cities
The 12 cities identified under the scheme are:
- Kamakhya (Assam): Known for the Kamakhya Temple, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Kamakhya.
- Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh): A historical town with ancient Buddhist sites and the Amareswara Swamy Temple.
- Dwarka (Gujarat): Renowned for the Dwarkadhish Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, and considered one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
- Gaya (Bihar): Famous for the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
- Amritsar (Punjab): Home to the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), the holiest shrine in Sikhism.
- Ajmer (Rajasthan): Known for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the shrine of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti.
- Puri (Odisha): Celebrated for the Jagannath Temple, one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, and the annual Rath Yatra.
- Kedarnath (Uttarakhand): An important Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Garhwal Himalayan range.
- Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu): Known as the “City of Thousand Temples,” with numerous significant Hindu temples like the Ekambareswarar Temple and the Varadharaja Perumal Temple.
- Velankanni (Tamil Nadu): Famous for the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site.
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): One of the oldest living cities in the world, considered a holy city in Hinduism and Jainism, located on the banks of the Ganges River.
- Mathura (Uttar Pradesh): The birthplace of Lord Krishna, with numerous temples and sacred sites dedicated to him.
Image of Mathura, one of the cities included in the PRASAD scheme.
3.2. Criteria for City Selection
The primary criterion for selecting these cities was their rich heritage and cultural history. These cities hold significant religious and historical importance, making them ideal candidates for development under the Prasad Tourism Scheme.
4. How Is the Prasad Tourism Scheme Funded and Managed?
The Prasad Tourism Scheme is funded and managed through a structured approach involving central financial assistance and a dedicated mission directorate.
4.1. Mission Directorate and Central Financial Assistance
To implement the Prasad Tourism Scheme effectively, a Mission Directorate has been established within the Ministry of Tourism. This directorate is responsible for overseeing the scheme’s implementation and ensuring its objectives are met.
The Ministry provides Central Financial Assistance to State Governments for the promotion of tourism at identified destinations. This financial support is crucial for undertaking various projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure, capacity building, and online presence.
4.2. Funding Sources and CSR Involvement
The funding for the Prasad Tourism Scheme comes primarily from the Central Government. For components within public funding, the Central Government provides 100% funds.
To enhance the sustainability of the projects, the scheme also seeks to involve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). This approach leverages additional resources and expertise from the private sector, ensuring the long-term success of the scheme.
4.3. Initial Budget Allocation
In the revised estimates for 2014-2015, a budget provision of rupees 15.60 crore was made for the Prasad Tourism Scheme. The first installment of rupees 85.78 lakh was released under this scheme for the development of basic facilities at Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar.
5. What Are the Benefits of the Prasad Tourism Scheme?
The Prasad Tourism Scheme offers numerous benefits, contributing to the growth of tourism, economic development, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
5.1. Economic Development and Employment Generation
One of the primary benefits of the Prasad Tourism Scheme is its potential to drive economic development and generate employment opportunities. By enhancing the attractiveness of pilgrimage sites, the scheme attracts more tourists, leading to increased revenue for local businesses.
The scheme also promotes local art, culture, handicrafts, and cuisine, providing additional income opportunities for local communities. The development of infrastructure, such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation facilities, further contributes to economic growth and job creation.
5.2. Sustainable Tourism Development
The Prasad Tourism Scheme emphasizes sustainable tourism development, ensuring that the benefits of tourism are realized without compromising the environment or the cultural heritage of the destinations.
By focusing on eco-friendly modes of transport, renewable energy sources, and waste management, the scheme promotes responsible tourism practices. The involvement of local communities in the planning and implementation of projects ensures that tourism development is aligned with their needs and aspirations.
5.3. Preservation of Cultural Heritage
The scheme also plays a crucial role in the preservation of cultural heritage. By providing financial assistance for the restoration, illumination, and conservation of historic structures and monuments, the scheme helps to protect and promote India’s rich cultural heritage.
The development of tourism information centers and knowledge portals ensures that tourists have access to accurate and comprehensive information about the history and significance of the pilgrimage sites.
5.4. Enhanced Tourist Experience
By improving infrastructure, amenities, and connectivity at pilgrimage sites, the Prasad Tourism Scheme enhances the overall tourist experience. Tourists can enjoy a more comfortable and convenient visit, with access to clean toilets, safe drinking water, and reliable transportation.
The scheme also promotes the development of craft bazaars and souvenir shops, allowing tourists to purchase local handicrafts and support local artisans. The availability of ATMs and money exchange counters ensures that tourists have easy access to financial services.
6. What Challenges Does Prasad Tourism Scheme Address?
The Prasad Tourism Scheme addresses several key challenges related to tourism development in India, particularly in the context of pilgrimage and heritage sites.
6.1. Infrastructure Gaps
One of the main challenges addressed by the Prasad Tourism Scheme is the lack of adequate infrastructure at many pilgrimage and heritage sites. These sites often lack basic amenities such as clean toilets, safe drinking water, and proper transportation facilities.
The scheme aims to bridge these infrastructure gaps by providing financial assistance for the development of essential infrastructure, including roads, railways, and communication networks.
6.2. Lack of Integrated Planning
Another challenge is the lack of integrated planning for tourism development. Many pilgrimage and heritage sites are managed by different agencies, leading to fragmented and uncoordinated development efforts.
The Prasad Tourism Scheme promotes integrated planning by bringing together various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and private sector players, to develop comprehensive tourism plans.
6.3. Limited Community Participation
Limited community participation in tourism development is another significant challenge. Local communities often do not benefit from tourism activities, leading to resentment and a lack of support for tourism projects.
The Prasad Tourism Scheme emphasizes community-based development by involving local communities in the planning and implementation of projects. This approach ensures that tourism development is aligned with the needs and aspirations of local communities and that they benefit from tourism activities.
6.4. Inadequate Promotion and Marketing
Many pilgrimage and heritage sites suffer from inadequate promotion and marketing, resulting in low tourist arrivals. The Prasad Tourism Scheme addresses this challenge by providing financial assistance for the development of tourism information centers and knowledge portals.
These facilities provide tourists with accurate and comprehensive information about the history and significance of the pilgrimage sites, helping to promote tourism and increase tourist arrivals.
7. How Does Prasad Tourism Scheme Relate to Other Government Initiatives?
The Prasad Tourism Scheme is closely related to several other government initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and preserving cultural heritage in India.
7.1. Swadesh Darshan Scheme
The Swadesh Darshan Scheme is another initiative by the Ministry of Tourism that aims to develop theme-based tourism circuits in India. The Prasad Tourism Scheme complements the Swadesh Darshan Scheme by focusing on the development of pilgrimage and heritage sites within these circuits.
Both schemes work together to promote tourism and preserve cultural heritage in a coordinated and integrated manner.
7.2. HRIDAY Scheme
The HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aimed to preserve and revitalize the soul of heritage cities in India. Although the HRIDAY Scheme has been discontinued, the Prasad Tourism Scheme continues to build on its objectives by focusing on the development of heritage sites.
The renaming of the PRASAD scheme to PRASHAD reflects its broadened scope to include the development of heritage destinations, ensuring the preservation and promotion of India’s rich cultural heritage.
7.3. Smart Cities Mission
The Smart Cities Mission aims to develop 100 smart cities across India, with a focus on sustainable and inclusive development. Tourism is an important component of the Smart Cities Mission, and many smart cities are also pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
The Prasad Tourism Scheme supports the Smart Cities Mission by enhancing the tourism infrastructure and amenities in these cities, making them more attractive to tourists.
Image of Amritsar, one of the cities included in the PRASAD scheme and home to the Golden Temple.
8. Case Studies: Success Stories Under the Prasad Tourism Scheme
Several projects under the Prasad Tourism Scheme have achieved significant success in enhancing tourism and preserving cultural heritage. Here are a few notable case studies:
8.1. Development of Vishnupad Temple, Gaya
The development of basic facilities at the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar, was one of the first projects undertaken under the Prasad Tourism Scheme. The project involved the construction of clean toilets, safe drinking water facilities, and improved transportation infrastructure.
The project has significantly enhanced the tourist experience at the Vishnupad Temple, leading to increased tourist arrivals and revenue for local businesses.
8.2. Development of Kamakhya Temple, Assam
The development of the Kamakhya Temple in Assam is another successful project under the Prasad Tourism Scheme. The project involved the construction of a new pilgrim center, improved transportation facilities, and enhanced lighting and illumination.
The project has transformed the Kamakhya Temple into a world-class pilgrimage destination, attracting tourists from all over the world.
8.3. Development of Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat
The development of the Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat is another notable success story. The project involved the construction of a new pilgrim center, improved transportation facilities, and enhanced landscaping and beautification.
The project has made the Dwarkadhish Temple more accessible and attractive to tourists, leading to increased tourist arrivals and revenue for local businesses.
9. How Can Travelers Benefit from the Prasad Tourism Scheme?
Travelers can benefit from the Prasad Tourism Scheme in numerous ways, as it enhances the overall experience of visiting pilgrimage and heritage sites in India.
9.1. Improved Infrastructure and Amenities
The scheme focuses on improving infrastructure and amenities at pilgrimage sites, making them more comfortable and convenient for travelers. This includes better transportation facilities, clean toilets, safe drinking water, and improved accommodation options.
Travelers can enjoy a hassle-free visit to these sites, with access to essential amenities that enhance their overall experience.
9.2. Enhanced Information and Interpretation Centers
The development of tourism information centers and knowledge portals provides travelers with access to accurate and comprehensive information about the history and significance of pilgrimage sites.
Travelers can learn about the cultural and religious importance of these sites, gaining a deeper appreciation for their heritage.
9.3. Increased Safety and Security
The scheme also focuses on increasing safety and security at pilgrimage sites, ensuring that travelers can visit these sites without fear. This includes improved security measures, better lighting, and enhanced emergency services.
Travelers can feel safe and secure while visiting these sites, allowing them to fully enjoy their experience.
9.4. Opportunities to Support Local Communities
The Prasad Tourism Scheme promotes community-based development, providing travelers with opportunities to support local communities. Travelers can purchase local handicrafts, eat at local restaurants, and stay at local guesthouses, contributing to the economic well-being of local communities.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Prasad Tourism Scheme
10.1. What is the primary focus of the PRASAD scheme?
The PRASAD scheme focuses on the integrated development of pilgrimage destinations in a prioritized, planned, and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience.
10.2. When was the PRASAD scheme launched?
The PRASAD scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, in the year 2014-2015.
10.3. What does PRASAD stand for?
Initially, PRASAD stood for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive. In October 2017, it was renamed the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).
10.4. How many cities are included in the PRASAD scheme?
The plan designated 12 cities for the development of historical and pilgrimage destinations.
10.5. Which ministry launched the PRASAD scheme?
The PRASAD Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism.
10.6. What types of infrastructure are developed under the PRASAD scheme?
The scheme supports the development of lighting with renewable energy sources, eco-friendly transport, first aid centers, drinking water facilities, waiting rooms, toilets, parking, craft bazaars, and internet connectivity, among other things.
10.7. How does the PRASAD scheme promote local culture?
The PRASAD scheme promotes local art and culture, handicrafts, and cuisines to enhance tourism attractiveness and provide economic opportunities for local communities.
10.8. What role does community involvement play in the PRASAD scheme?
The scheme follows community-based development and pro-poor tourism concepts, ensuring that local communities are involved in the planning and implementation of tourism projects.
10.9. How is the PRASAD scheme funded?
The Central Government provides 100% funds for components within public funding, and the scheme also seeks to involve Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to improve the sustainability of the projects.
10.10. How can travelers benefit from the PRASAD scheme?
Travelers benefit from improved infrastructure, enhanced information centers, increased safety and security, and opportunities to support local communities at pilgrimage and heritage sites developed under the scheme.
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