MSME Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme
Launched in 2014-15, the PRASHAD scheme by the Ministry of Tourism focuses on developing and promoting pilgrimage Read More... sites across India to enrich the religious tourism experience. Read less
Details
India is rich in spiritual and religious sites. To make these places even better for pilgrims and tourists, the government has a special scheme called PRASHAD. It's all about making our pilgrimage destinations more accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable.
What Is This Scheme?
The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive, or PRASHAD, is a Central Sector Scheme. Started by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15, its main goal is to identify and develop religious sites all over India. This helps create a complete and fulfilling experience for anyone visiting these sacred places, promoting religious tourism in a planned and sustainable way.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This scheme is designed to benefit everyone connected to India's vibrant religious tourism. This includes local communities living near these sites, visitors who come to explore them, and all the businesses and individuals who provide services in the tourism sector. By improving infrastructure and facilities, PRASHAD aims to create a ripple effect of development and opportunity.
Why This Scheme Is Important
PRASHAD plays a crucial role in enhancing India's tourism appeal. By focusing on the unique spiritual and cultural heritage of our country, it aims to boost economic growth and create jobs. It ensures that development is done thoughtfully, preserving the sanctity of these sites while making them more welcoming and accessible to all.
Objective
Benefits
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
This scheme is for the development of specific sites and does not have individual eligibility criteria for applicants.
How To Apply
This scheme is managed centrally by the Ministry of Tourism. Projects are identified and implemented based on national priorities for developing religious tourism destinations. There is no direct application process for individual citizens.
Documents Required
As this is a development scheme for sites, there are no specific documents required from individuals.
FAQ’s
What kind of infrastructure projects does PRASHAD support?
The scheme supports building essential facilities like first aid centres, toilets, waiting areas, and passenger terminals. It also includes improving sewerage, water supply, drainage, and roads at pilgrimage sites.
How does PRASHAD help local communities?
It helps by creating jobs, increasing local incomes, and promoting local culture and traditions through various initiatives, making communities proud and prosperous.
Can funds be used for relocating people under the PRASHAD scheme?
No, the scheme does not allow funds for resettlement or rehabilitation packages, or for land acquisition for development.
What is the importance of online presence for PRASHAD destinations?
Developing an online presence through tools like data analysis, GIS portals, and mobile apps helps provide tourists with more information and improves their overall travel experience.
How does PRASHAD ensure that projects are well-chosen?
The scheme clearly defines what kinds of projects are allowed and not allowed. This helps ensure that funds are used for initiatives that directly support the scheme's goals.
Are there any specific training programs offered under PRASHAD?
Yes, the scheme supports capacity building and skill development programs like 'Hunar Se Rozgar Tak' and 'Earn While You Learn' to empower local people for tourism jobs.
What are the criteria for selecting cities for development under PRASHAD?
Heritage cities are selected based on factors like how many tourists visit, whether heritage sites are accredited, the number of historical monuments, and how much funding is needed. The scheme also ensures fair representation across India.
How does PRASHAD ensure that development is responsible?
The scheme focuses on planned and sustainable development. It also aims to improve safety and security for tourists and enhance the quality of services at pilgrimage sites.
What's the role of tourism information centres in PRASHAD?
These centres act as information hubs for tourists, providing details about the pilgrimage site, local culture, and heritage. Some may also have facilities like ATMs or money exchange counters.
Does PRASHAD involve collaboration with other schemes or the private sector?
Yes, the scheme encourages working together with other government schemes (state and central) and private sector initiatives to achieve integrated development of sites and destinations.
What is NOT allowed under the PRASHAD scheme?
Projects like resettlement, rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of assets, or investments in private property assets are not permitted under this scheme.
How does PRASHAD make pilgrimage destinations more attractive?
By developing world-class tourism projects, promoting local heritage and livelihoods, and integrating sites in a planned way, it makes pilgrimage and heritage tourism a bigger contributor to the economy and jobs.
How is the implementation credibility checked for selecting destinations?
The scheme looks at how quickly states and their agencies submit utilization certificates (UCs). States with fewer pending UCs are given priority.
What kind of projects are eligible under PRASHAD?
Eligible projects include creating online presence tools, offering capacity building and skill enhancement, developing infrastructure like signage and first aid centres, and restoring historical structures.
What is the 'parity for pan India development' in PRASHAD?
This principle ensures that all states get fair representation on the pilgrimage map. The scheme prioritizes states that haven't been covered yet, aiming for nationwide coverage.
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