PRASHAD Scheme : Clear-Cut Standard Operating Procedure
A Parliamentary committee has asked the government to develop a “clear-cut Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)” and obtain prior clearances and approvals from relevant authorities for timely completion of projects in the Spiritual Tourism Circuits under the PRASHAD scheme.
- Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spirituality Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014.
- It is an initiative that aimed at transforming the cultural preservation and spiritual travelling across identified pilgrimage destinations.
- Objectives:
- Upgrading and maintaining the strength of the infrastructure of pilgrimage destinations that includes the roads, water supply, sanitation and waste management system
- Improving the travel conditions for the travelers by improving the connectivity through road, rail and airways
Starting conservation projects that help in preserving and conserving the pilgrimage sites of cultural and spiritual significance - Advocating the cultural, religious and spiritual significance of pilgrimage sites attracting domestic and international tourists
- Creating opportunities for the local communities through skill development and livelihood generation programmes that relate with pilgrimage tourism
- Adopting sustainable development practices that promote eco-friendly tourism
