In News:

The Union Civil Aviation Minister recently stated that the Centre is preparing plans to further develop tourist destinations around prominent temples in Andhra Pradesh under the PRASHAD scheme, highlighting renewed focus on temple-based tourism infrastructure.

About Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme

• PRASHAD is a Central Sector Scheme (100% Central funding) launched in 2014–15 for integrated development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tourism
• Objective:
  • Integrated development of identified pilgrimage and spiritual heritage destinations.
  • Improvement of tourism infrastructure to enhance pilgrim and visitor experience.
• Funding Pattern:
  • 100% financial assistance by the Central Government for public-funded project components.
  • Encourages additional support through: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• Implementation Mechanism:
  • A dedicated Mission Directorate under the Ministry of Tourism oversees execution.
  • Coordinates with State Governments/UT Administrations and other stakeholders.
  • Identifies projects in selected cities and ensures integrated planning.
• Focus Areas of Development
  • Projects typically include:
    • Last-mile connectivity
    • Tourist amenities (toilets, drinking water, parking)
    • Illumination and landscaping
    • Riverfront and heritage area development
    • Interpretation centres
    • Signage and visitor facilitation centres
• Significance
  • Boost to Religious Tourism: Pilgrimage tourism is one of the largest segments of domestic tourism in India.
  • Employment Generation: Infrastructure development creates direct and indirect employment in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and local services.
  • Local Skill & Capacity Development: Enhances livelihood opportunities for local communities.
  • Cultural Preservation: Strengthens conservation and promotion of India’s spiritual and heritage assets.
  • Economic Multiplier Effect: Promotes regional economic growth through tourism-led development.

In News:

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture has raised concerns over delays in the completion of projects under the Spiritual Tourism Circuits and the PRASHAD Scheme.

It has recommended the establishment of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and emphasized obtaining prior clearances to ensure timely execution of future projects.

About PRASHAD Scheme

• Full Form: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive.
• Launched: 2014–15 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Objective: To promote, develop, and enhance spiritual tourism infrastructure at important pilgrimage sites across India.

Aims and Objectives:

• Improve infrastructure (roads, water supply, sanitation, waste management).
• Enhance connectivity (road, rail, and air) to pilgrimage destinations.
• Preserve and conserve religious and cultural heritage sites.
• Promote eco-friendly and sustainable tourism practices.
• Increase domestic and international tourist footfall through spiritual tourism.
• Generate local employment through skill development and livelihood programmes.

Funding Model:

• 100% centrally funded for eligible components.
• Also includes voluntary contributions through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.

Implementation Challenges and Parliamentary Findings

Spiritual Tourism Circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

• Launched to promote thematic tourism circuits, including 23 Spiritual Circuits across India.
• Of these, five circuits remain incomplete, with two key circuits in Kerala—
  1. Sabarimala–Erumeli–Pampa–Sannidhanam Circuit
  2. Sivagiri Sree Narayana Guru Ashram Circuit
• Progress Status (as of September 2023):
  • Sabarimala Circuit: 76% complete
  • Sivagiri Circuit: 51% complete
• Original target completion dates: June 2023 and October 2023, respectively.

Reasons for Delay:

• Lack of timely clearances from Temple Authorities.
• Administrative and coordination issues across agencies.

Committee Recommendations:

• Formulate a clear-cut SOP for the execution of spiritual tourism projects.
• Ensure pre-approval and coordination with all concerned stakeholders before initiating construction.
• Strengthen planning at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage to anticipate implementation challenges and avoid delays and cost overruns.

PRASHAD Scheme Performance:

• Out of 45 sanctioned projects, only 21 have been completed as of the latest report.
• The committee noted this performance as unsatisfactory, even accounting for disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.