PRASHAD Scheme: Revitalizing India's Pilgrimage Experience

Understanding the PRASHAD Scheme

The Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme, launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014, aims to enhance infrastructure and facilities at key religious and heritage sites across India. Despite its broad objectives and the sanction of 46 projects over the past decade, the scheme has faced significant delays, with less than half of these projects completed within the planned timeline.

Key Insights from the PRASHAD Scheme

• Scope and Objective: The scheme was initiated to augment infrastructure at pilgrimage sites. It focuses on improving amenities such as parking, pathways, toilets, and tourist information centres, aiming to boost tourism significantly.
• Geographical Spread and Selection Criteria: A total of 73 sites were identified based on criteria such as footfall, cultural significance, and the level of existing development. Projects span across 26 states and Union Territories, emphasizing the scheme's national reach.
• Financial Allocation and Project Sanctioning: The scheme has an allocated budget of Rs 1,632 crore, supporting projects at diverse religious sites. These include Hindu temples, Islamic shrines, and sites of other faiths, showcasing India's rich cultural tapestry.
• Challenges and Delays: Implementation has encountered hurdles like delayed approvals from authorities, land acquisition issues, and restrictions related to the proximity of heritage sites. Such challenges highlight the complexities of undertaking infrastructure projects in sensitive areas.
• Parliamentary Scrutiny and Recommendations: The parliamentary committee’s report has pointed to slow progress, attributing delays to bureaucratic hurdles and the COVID-19 pandemic. This underscores the need for improved coordination and efficiency within the scheme.

Conclusion

The PRASHAD scheme represents a significant effort to enhance India's pilgrimage and heritage sites as tourist destinations. However, its execution reveals the intricate balance required between development aspirations and the preservation of cultural heritage. Addressing the identified challenges could lead to more timely completion of projects, contributing to the scheme’s success in boosting tourism and preserving India’s spiritual and cultural legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the main objective of the PRASHAD scheme?
Answer: The main objective of the PRASHAD scheme is to enhance infrastructure and facilities at key pilgrimage and heritage sites across India to boost tourism and improve visitor experiences.

Q2. How many projects have been sanctioned under the PRASHAD scheme?
Answer: A total of 46 projects have been sanctioned under the PRASHAD scheme, aimed at improving various pilgrimage sites across the country.

Q3. What challenges has the PRASHAD scheme faced?
Answer: The PRASHAD scheme has faced challenges such as delayed approvals, land acquisition issues, and restrictions due to the proximity of heritage sites, impacting project timelines.

Q4. How is the financial allocation for the PRASHAD scheme structured?
Answer: The PRASHAD scheme has an allocated budget of Rs 1,632 crore, supporting projects across various religious sites representing different faiths in India.

Q5. What has been the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the PRASHAD scheme?
Answer: The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to delays in the PRASHAD scheme's progress, as noted in the parliamentary committee’s report, emphasizing the need for improved coordination.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does the PRASHAD scheme aim to improve?
A) Educational facilities
B) Pilgrimage infrastructure
C) Agricultural development
D) Urban planning
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How many states and Union Territories are involved in the PRASHAD scheme?
A) 10
B) 26
C) 15
D) 30
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What is the total budget allocated for the PRASHAD scheme?
A) Rs 500 crore
B) Rs 1,000 crore
C) Rs 1,632 crore
D) Rs 2,000 crore
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: Which factors were considered for site selection under the PRASHAD scheme?
A) Political significance
B) Cultural significance and footfall
C) Economic development
D) Environmental impact
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What type of sites does the PRASHAD scheme encompass?
A) Only Hindu temples
B) Only Islamic shrines
C) Diverse religious sites
D) Historical monuments only
Correct Answer: C