PRASHAD

Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)

6.4/10

Launched in 2014–2015, the scheme "Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD)" is a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India to enrich the religious tourism experience.

Central Composite

States / UT: All India

Ministry / nodal: Ministry Of Tourism

Scheme for: Infra

Scheme profile

DBT (direct benefit transfer): No

Categories: Transport & Infrastructure, Travel & Tourism

Sub-categories: Infrastructure, Tourism in India

Target beneficiaries: Government Organisation, State Government

Tags: Pilgrimage, Rejuvenation, Heritage, Infrastructure, Tourism

Details

Launched in 2014–2015, the scheme "Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD)" is a Central Sector Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India to enrich the religious tourism experience. It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience. The PRASAD scheme aims to pave the way for the development and promotion of religious tourism in India.

Benefits

  • The scheme offers a range of benefits for its beneficiaries which include local communities tourists and stakeholders involved in the tourism sector: Improved Infrastructure Beneficiaries particularly those residing in areas with significant tourism potential benefit from improved infrastructure such as better roads transportation facilities sanitation and utilities. Enhanced infrastructure not only improves the quality of life for locals but also provides a more comfortable and convenient experience for tourists. Employment Opportunities The development of tourism infrastructure and services under the Prashad Scheme creates job opportunities for local residents. These jobs span various sectors including hospitality tour guiding transportation handicrafts

The scheme offers a range of benefits for its beneficiaries, which include local communities, tourists, and stakeholders involved in the tourism sector:

Improved Infrastructure

Beneficiaries, particularly those residing in areas with significant tourism potential, benefit from improved infrastructure such as better roads, transportation facilities, sanitation, and utilities. Enhanced infrastructure not only improves the quality of life for locals but also provides a more comfortable and convenient experience for tourists.

Employment Opportunities

The development of tourism infrastructure and services under the Prashad Scheme creates job opportunities for local residents. These jobs span various sectors, including hospitality, tour guiding, transportation, handicrafts, and retail, providing a source of livelihood and economic empowerment for communities.

Income Generation

Tourism-related activities generate income for beneficiaries involved in providing goods and services to tourists. Local artisans, vendors, homestay owners, and small businesses often experience increased demand for their products and services, leading to higher incomes and improved standards of living.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Communities living near heritage sites and cultural landmarks benefit from the preservation efforts funded by the Prashad Scheme. This not only helps in maintaining their cultural identity but also provides opportunities for cultural exchange and education, as visitors learn about local traditions, customs, and history.

Promotion of Local Culture and Traditions

The Prashad Scheme often includes initiatives to promote local culture, art, and traditions. This may involve organizing cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional performances, which not only showcase the richness of local heritage but also contribute to community pride and cohesion.

Increased Tourism Revenues

As tourism flourishes in areas supported by the Prashad Scheme, beneficiaries reap the benefits of increased tourism revenues. This can have a multiplier effect on the local economy, stimulating growth in ancillary sectors such as food and beverage, retail, and transportation.

Skill Development and Capacity Building

The Prashad Scheme may include provisions for skill development and capacity building programs targeted at local communities. These initiatives equip beneficiaries with the necessary skills and knowledge to actively participate in the tourism industry, empowering them to capitalize on tourism opportunities and contribute to sustainable development.

Eligibility

There are no eligibility requirements to avail the benefits of this scheme.

How useful is this scheme?

Public benefit analysis

A practical look at this scheme for citizens

AI-generated insights showing how useful, accessible, and practical this scheme may be — combining deterministic scoring rules with a public-policy LLM analyst.

6.4
/ 10
Public Benefit Score
Accessibility 9.0/10 Good
Rural usefulness 6.0/10 Moderate
Application complexity 5.0/10 Moderate
Financial impact 5.0/10 Moderate
Literacy barrier 2.0/10 Good
Women inclusivity 6.0/10 Moderate
Awareness 7.5/10 Good
Implementation reliability 7.0/10 Good
Bigger shape means a better fit for citizens
  • Accessibility9.0
  • Financial impact5.0
  • Rural utility6.0
  • Awareness7.5
  • Simplicity5.0
  • Inclusivity6.0

What problem does this scheme solve?

The PRASHAD scheme aims to enhance pilgrimage tourism infrastructure across India, benefiting local communities and tourists alike.

Key challenges addressed

  • Improvement of pilgrimage site infrastructure
  • Creation of employment opportunities in tourism

Most beneficial for

  • Local communities
  • Tourists
  • Stakeholders in the tourism sector

Likely challenges

  • Awareness among rural populations
  • Integration with existing local economies

Practical insights for citizens

The scheme's benefits are practical but require local engagement for maximum impact.

Rural challenges

  • Limited awareness of the scheme
  • Potential lack of infrastructure in remote areas

Digital challenges

  • Low digital literacy among rural populations

Implementation bottlenecks

  • Coordination between various government levels

Awareness challenges

  • Need for outreach programs to inform communities

Application analysis

Application mode
Offline
Documents burden
None required
Verification complexity
Low
Office dependency
None
DBT dependency
No direct benefit transfer
CSC support
Not applicable
Estimated citizen effort
Minimal effort required

Estimated beneficiary reach

  • Rural / urban reach High
  • Gender reach All
  • Occupation reach Tourism-related occupations

Benefit analysis

Benefit type
Composite
Benefit frequency
Ongoing as projects are developed
Benefit practicality
High, as it directly improves local infrastructure and economy
Financial meaningfulness
Moderate, as benefits are indirect and vary by location
Long-term impact
Positive, with potential for sustained economic growth in tourism

Plain-language guidance

The PRASHAD scheme improves pilgrimage sites across India, making them better for tourists and local communities. There are no application requirements, and benefits include better infrastructure and job opportunities.

Who should apply
Local communities and stakeholders in tourism.
Who may struggle
Rural citizens with limited awareness of the scheme.
Best application route
No application needed; benefits are provided through government initiatives.

This intelligence section is generated by an AI policy analyst combined with rule-based scoring. Scores and narrative are estimates derived from the publicly available scheme information shown on this page; actual experience may vary by state, district, and department. Always confirm details on the official portal before you apply.

Application Process

Offline

The citizens need not apply to this scheme.

Clarifications

Additional points from the scheme information published on myScheme (not legal advice).

What role do tourism information/interpretation centres play in the PRASAD scheme?

These centres, equipped with ATMs or money exchange counters, serve as hubs for disseminating information about the pilgrimage destinations, local culture, and heritage, enhancing tourists' understanding and experience.

How does the PRASAD scheme encourage convergence between government schemes and private sector developments?

The scheme aims to enable convergence between state and central government schemes, as well as private sector initiatives, for integrated site and destination development, fostering collaboration and maximizing resources for tourism development.

How does the PRASAD scheme ensure the responsible use of funds and resources?

By delineating eligible and non-permitted project components, the scheme establishes clear guidelines for project selection, ensuring that funding is directed towards initiatives that align with the scheme's objectives and priorities.

Are there any project components not permitted under the PRASAD scheme?

Yes, non-permitted project components include resettlement and rehabilitation packages, operation and maintenance of assets created, investments in private entities' assets, and land acquisition for development purposes.

What types of infrastructure development projects are supported under the PRASAD scheme?

Infrastructure development projects include the establishment of first aid centres, toilet facilities, waiting areas, and passenger terminals for various modes of transport, as well as improvements in sewerage, water supply, drainage, and roads.

How does the PRASAD scheme promote capacity development and knowledge management?

The scheme broadens travel and hospitality education, preserves tourism knowledge, utilizes local expertise in arts and crafts, and offers skill development programs such as 'Hunar Se Rozgar Tak' and 'Earn While You Learn' to empower local communities and enhance their participation in the tourism sector.

What is the purpose of the online presence component under the PRASAD scheme?

The online presence component aims to enhance the digital infrastructure of pilgrimage destinations through data analysis tools, GIS-based portals, and mobile applications, providing tourists with information and improving their overall experience.

What are the eligible project components under the PRASAD scheme?

Eligible project components include developing online presence tools, capacity development and skill enhancement initiatives, infrastructure development such as first aid centres and directional signage, and restoration and conservation of historic structures and monuments.

What are the objectives of the PRASAD scheme regarding safety and security?

The PRASAD scheme aims to strengthen measures for the safety and security of pilgrims and tourists, ensuring a safe and enjoyable tourism experience. It also focuses on improving the quality of tourism services provided at pilgrimage destinations[1].

How does the PRASAD scheme enhance tourism attractiveness?

The scheme enhances tourism attractiveness by integrating pilgrimage destinations in a planned and sustainable manner, developing world-class tourism projects, and promoting heritage and local livelihoods. It positions pilgrimage and heritage tourism as major contributors to economic growth and employment generation[1].

How does accreditation of heritage destinations influence the selection of heritage cities?

Accreditation by UNESCO and ASI validates the historical significance and authenticity of heritage destinations within cities, making them eligible for prioritization in the PRASAD scheme[1].

Why is tourist footfall considered a crucial criterion for selecting heritage cities?

Tourist footfall indicates the popularity and tourism potential of a city's heritage destinations. Higher footfall signifies greater demand and attractiveness for tourists, leading to prioritization in scheme inclusion[1].

How are heritage cities selected for integrated development under the PRASAD scheme?

Heritage cities are chosen based on criteria such as tourist footfall, accreditation of heritage destinations, number of heritage monuments, and funding needs. These factors help prioritize cities for integrated heritage development[1].

What is the significance of parity for pan India development in selecting pilgrimage destinations?

Parity for pan India development ensures equitable representation of states on the pilgrimage map. The scheme prioritizes states not covered in the existing list of destinations, aiming for comprehensive national coverage[1].

How is the credibility of implementation evaluated for selecting pilgrimage destinations?

Credibility of implementation is assessed through the utilization certificate (UC) pendency of state/UT governments and their implementing agencies. States with minimal UC pendency are prioritized for scheme inclusion[1].

References

Official Source
https://tourism.gov.in/prashad-scheme
Guidelines
https://tourism.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-08/PRASHAD%2015th%20FC%20Scheme%20Guidelines.pdf

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) is a government welfare initiative designed to support Infra, Government Organisation, State Government through benefits related to Transport & Infrastructure, financial assistance, subsidies, social welfare, healthcare, education, or livelihood support.
Who can apply for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Eligibility for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) may depend on factors such as income category, age, gender, occupation, state of residence, social category, and government-defined beneficiary criteria.
What benefits are offered under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Benefits under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) may include financial assistance, subsidies, scholarships, insurance support, healthcare benefits, pension support, training assistance, or welfare services depending on the scheme guidelines.
Which department manages Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) is managed by Ministry Of Tourism and may be implemented through district offices, online portals, CSC centres, banks, or authorised government agencies.
Can users apply online for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Yes, eligible applicants may be able to apply online for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) through official government portals, authorised service centres, or digital application systems depending on the implementation process.
Is Aadhaar mandatory for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Many government schemes may require Aadhaar verification, identity proof, or linked bank account details for beneficiary validation and direct benefit transfer processing.
Where can users apply for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Applications for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) may be submitted through government departments, official scheme portals, CSC centres, district offices, welfare departments, or authorised service centres.
What documents may be required for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Applicants may need Aadhaar card, income certificate, residence proof, bank account details, caste certificate, photographs, educational records, or occupation-related documents depending on scheme eligibility requirements.
Is Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) a central government scheme?
Yes, Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) is a central government welfare initiative that may be implemented across multiple states through authorised departments and agencies.
Can CSC centres help users apply for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Many government schemes may be accessible through nearby CSC centres, authorised digital service centres, or welfare facilitation offices.
How can users check the latest updates for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Users should verify official notifications, department announcements, application deadlines, and eligibility updates through authorised government portals or implementing agencies.
Can beneficiaries track application status for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)?
Certain schemes may provide online application tracking, beneficiary verification systems, or status-check facilities through official portals.
Where can users get help for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) in All India?
Users in All India may seek assistance through CSC centres, district welfare offices, government departments, agriculture offices, social welfare departments, or authorised facilitation centres.
Which nearby public services may help with Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) applications?
Depending on the scheme, users may require support from Aadhaar centres, CSC centres, banks, hospitals, post offices, or government welfare offices for document verification and application assistance.