PRASAD Scheme – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spirituality Augmentation Drive: Nurturing Spiritual Journeys and Cultural Heritage

The PRASAD Scheme – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spirituality Augmentation Drive is a transformative initiative launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15 that seeks to weave a tapestry of spiritual rejuvenation and cultural preservation across identified pilgrimage destinations.

This article on PRASAD Yojana – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spirituality Augmentation Drive is very important for UPSC CSE Exam aspirants. To ace your preparation, you can also enrol for UPSC Coaching, which will be very beneficial for your studies.

As the President of India recently laid the foundation stone for the development of pilgrimage facilities at the Bhadrachalam Group of Temples and the Ramappa Temple in Telangana under the PRASAD Scheme, it becomes imperative to delve into the key features, significance, and the holistic approach of this visionary scheme.

Know more on Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana here!

What is PRASAD Scheme?

The PRASAD Scheme stands for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive. It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Tourism in India to holistically develop and revitalize key pilgrimage destinations across the country. The scheme aims to enhance the infrastructure, connectivity, and overall pilgrim experience at these sacred sites. It fosters cultural heritage preservation and promotes spiritual tourism.

Evolution of the PRASAD Scheme

The PRASAD Scheme, a brainchild of the Ministry of Tourism, made its debut in the year 2014-15 with a noble objective – the holistic development of pilgrimage destinations. As time and vision converged, the scheme underwent a transformation, assuming the name “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)” in October 2017. This transition was sparked by the amalgamation of heritage development, formerly under the HRIDAY scheme of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, into the PRASAD Scheme.

Implementation 

At the core of PRASHAD's implementation lie the hands of identified agencies under the auspices of respective State and Union Territory Governments. This collaborative approach ensures seamless execution and nurturing of each project.

Funding Mechanism

PRASHAD's financial foundation is rooted in a 100% funding mechanism for project components falling under public funding. A unique facet of the scheme is its endeavor to harness voluntary funding through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). This approach not only infuses sustainability into the projects but also fosters a sense of collective responsibility.

Know more on Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protshan Yojana here!

Major Objectives of the PRASAD Scheme

The scheme encompasses a comprehensive array of objectives, including:

• Upgrading and strengthening infrastructure at pilgrimage destinations. This includes roads, water supply, sanitation, and solid waste management systems.
• Improving connectivity to pilgrimage sites through air, rail, and road networks.
• Enhancing the overall pilgrim experience by providing a host of amenities.
• Preserving and conserving the cultural heritage and spiritual significance of pilgrimage sites through conservation projects.
• Promoting spiritual tourism by highlighting the unique religious and cultural significance of pilgrimage sites, attracting domestic and international tourists.
• Empowering local communities through livelihood generation opportunities and skill development programs associated with pilgrimage tourism.
• Ensuring sustainable development practices in the implementation of projects to promote eco-friendly tourism.

Know more on PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna here!

Major Components of the PRASAD Scheme

The scheme encompasses a comprehensive set of components.

• Infrastructure Development: A central focus of the PRASAD Scheme is on upgrading and strengthening infrastructure at pilgrimage sites. This includes:
  • Road Development
  • Water Supply and Sanitation
  • Solid Waste Management
• Connectivity Enhancement: The PRASAD Scheme recognizes the importance of connectivity in facilitating pilgrim travel. It aims to:
  • Improve Rail Connectivity
  • Enhance Air Connectivity
  • Strengthen Public Transportation
• Pilgrim Experience Augmentation: At the heart of the PRASAD Scheme lies the goal of improving the pilgrim experience. This involves:
  • Tourist-Friendly Accommodation
  • Clean and Hygienic Eating Options
  • Enhanced Signage and Wayfinding
• Cultural Heritage Preservation: The PRASAD Scheme recognizes the significance of preserving cultural heritage at pilgrimage sites. It aims to:
  • Undertake restoration and conservation projects
  • Promote responsible tourism for heritage preservation
• Spiritual Tourism Promotion: The PRASAD Scheme seeks to promote spiritual tourism and attract domestic and international visitors. It aims to:
  • Sensitize tourists about the cultural and religious significance of pilgrimage sites.
  • Launch promotional campaigns to highlight the unique spiritual experiences offered by pilgrimage sites.
  • Collaborate with the travel industry to develop pilgrimage tourism packages.
• Local Community Empowerment: The PRASAD Scheme recognizes the importance of empowering local communities in the development of pilgrimage tourism. It aims to:
  • Create livelihood opportunities for local communities through tourism-related activities.
  • Provide skill development training to local residents to enhance their employability in the tourism sector.
  • Engage local communities in decision-making processes and promote sustainable tourism practices.
• Sustainable Development: The PRASAD Scheme emphasizes sustainable development principles in its implementation. It aims to:
  • Minimize the environmental impact of tourism development projects.
  • Promote eco-friendly practices and adopting sustainable technologies.
  • Encourage community-based tourism models to distribute benefits equitably among local communities.

Learn more about the pm matru vandana yojana here!

Working of PRASAD Scheme

The implementation of the PRASAD Scheme follows a structured process.

• The respective state or UT government identifies the pilgrimage sites selected under the Scheme.
• The central government has established a Mission Directorate to oversee the implementation of the Scheme. This body's primary responsibility is to identify pilgrimage sites within states and UTs.
• Proposals submitted by the Mission Directorate undergo thorough review and approval by the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee. This committee ensures that proposed projects align with the scheme's objectives.
• A National Steering Committee provides overall guidance. It monitors the progress of project implementation. 

Know more about the United Nations World Tourism Organisation here!

Cities Under PRASAD Scheme

The PRASAD Scheme currently covers 13 cities across India, each holding immense religious and cultural significance. These cities are:

Know more about ecotourism here!

Significance of the PRASHAD Scheme

Cultural Revival

PRASHAD emerges as a harbinger of cultural revival, breathing life into heritage sites that resonate with spiritual and historical significance. Its comprehensive approach ensures that these sites become vibrant cultural hubs, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in a tapestry woven with stories of yore.

Economic Empowerment

The scheme's impact extends beyond spirituality and culture, encompassing economic empowerment. PRASHAD's interventions bolster local economies, create employment opportunities, and stimulate tourism, nurturing a symbiotic relationship between heritage and livelihood.

Know more on Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) here!

Conclusion

PRASHAD is a testament to the holistic transformation that can be achieved when spirituality and heritage converge. It nurtures not only the physical infrastructure but also the intangible aura that radiates from these sacred spaces.

Also Read About Mission Kushal Karmi Here!

We hope that all your doubts regarding the PRASHAD Scheme – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spirituality Augmentation Drive are now solved. To access more notes, mock tests, and resources, you can also download the Testbook App!