The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 54 projects under PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 1,726.74 crore, Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha on July 31.

PRASHAD Scheme

• The National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism as a Central Sector Scheme with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations. 

• The primary objective of the scheme is to develop tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites, ensuring a more enriching experience for pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts.

• In view of the decision taken by the government for closure of National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme of the ministry of housing and urban development and for inclusion of projects for development of heritage destinations in PRASAD, the scheme guidelines have been modified and the nomenclature of the scheme has also been changed from PRASAD to ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) in October 2017.

• Under the scheme, the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for the development of tourism infrastructure at these sites.

• A total of 54 projects have been sanctioned under the scheme at a cost of Rs 1,726.74 crore. 

• The scheme aims infrastructure development such as entry points (road, rail and water transport), last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like information/interpretation centers, ATM/money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloak room, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazars/haats/souvenir shops/cafeteria, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity, etc.

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