Spiritual Tourism Circuits and PRASHAD Scheme

Overview

• Spiritual Tourism Circuits: Initiated under the ‘Swadesh Darshan’ Scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to enhance spiritual and religious tourism in India.
• PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Scheme: Focuses on the development of pilgrimage sites to improve the religious tourism experience.

Progress and Challenges

• A Parliamentary committee expressed disappointment over the slow progress of projects under these schemes.
  • Of 23 Spiritual Circuits, five remain incomplete, including two circuits in Kerala.
  • The delays are largely due to a lack of clearance from Temple Authorities.

Committee Recommendations

• Develop a clear-cut Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure timely project completion.
• Obtain prior clearances and approvals from relevant authorities.

PRASHAD Scheme Status

• Launched in 2014-15, aimed at enhancing pilgrimage infrastructure.
• Out of 45 projects, only 21 have been completed, indicating slow progress even after accounting for COVID-related delays.
• The committee recommended proactive measures at the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage to prevent time and cost overruns.