Centre Redesigns PRASAD Scheme: Major Revamp Announced to Boost Pilgrim Tourism & Modernize Spiritual Circuits
December 8-9, 2025 | Tourism Policy | Spiritual Heritage | Government Schemes
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By Tourism & Culture Correspondent
Policy Analysis & Heritage Tourism Expert
Focus: PRASAD Scheme, Swadesh Darshan, Temple Corridors
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat confirms the redesign of the flagship PRASAD Scheme to align with modern tourism needs as the previous financial cycle concludes. The move aims to position India as a global spiritual hub[web:127][web:129].
The Union Government has announced a comprehensive redesign of the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme to aggressively boost pilgrim tourism across Indian states. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on Monday (December 8), Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat revealed that the scheme is undergoing a structural overhaul as its current financial cycle nears completion. The revamped initiative will focus on integrating modern amenities, improving last-mile connectivity, and ensuring sustainability at major pilgrimage sites[web:127][web:128].
Since its launch in 2014-15, the scheme has sanctioned 54 projects across the country. However, the redesign signals a shift from purely infrastructure-based funding to a more experience-centric model, likely mirroring the success of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. The government aims to revitalize India's spiritual landscape, which serves as a massive driver for domestic tourism and local employment[web:127][web:131].
Since its launch in 2014-15, the scheme has sanctioned 54 projects across the country. However, the redesign signals a shift from purely infrastructure-based funding to a more experience-centric model, likely mirroring the success of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme. The government aims to revitalize India's spiritual landscape, which serves as a massive driver for domestic tourism and local employment[web:127][web:131].
Why the Redesign? Key Objectives & Changes
🔄 Expanding the Scope
- Financial Cycle Completion: The Minister clarified that the existing framework's financial cycle is ending, necessitating a fresh blueprint for future funding allocation[web:127].
- Holistic Experience: The new version will move beyond just building toilets and waiting halls to creating immersive spiritual experiences—including sound and light shows, digital museums, and thematic interpretation centers.
- Sustainability Focus: A renewed emphasis on eco-friendly tourism infrastructure to manage the massive footfall at sensitive religious sites like Kedarnath and Yamunotri[web:130].
📈 Economic & Strategic Goals
- Domestic Tourism Engine: Pilgrimage tourism accounts for a substantial portion of domestic travel. The redesign aims to tap into this "recession-proof" sector to drive local economies[web:135].
- Global Positioning: By upgrading facilities to international standards, the government intends to attract the Indian diaspora and foreign tourists interested in yoga, wellness, and spirituality.
- State Collaboration: The revamped scheme will likely offer more flexibility to states in proposing projects that link multiple heritage sites into a single "Spiritual Circuit"[web:131].
Impact Analysis: From Infrastructure to Experience
The original PRASAD scheme focused heavily on basic "hard" infrastructure. The 2025 redesign is expected to pivot towards "soft" intervention.
| Feature | PRASAD (Old) | PRASAD (Redesigned) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Basic Amenities (Toilets, Ghats) | Visitor Experience & Tech Integration |
| Funding Model | Project-based Grants | Circuit-based / PPP potential |
| Scope | Individual Sites | Integrated Spiritual Corridors |
UPSC & Banking Exams: Key Takeaways
Static GK & Scheme Details
- Scheme Name: PRASHAD (National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive). Note: The name evolved from PRASAD to PRASHAD to include 'Heritage'.
- Launch Year: 2014-2015.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tourism, Government of India[web:135].
- Funding: 100% Central Sector Scheme (Central Government funds it fully).
- Minister: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Union Minister of Culture & Tourism).
Expected MCQs
- Which ministry implements the PRASHAD scheme? (A) Ministry of Culture (B) Ministry of Tourism (C) Ministry of Urban Affairs. Ans: (B)
- What is the full form of PRASHAD? Ans: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive.
- In December 2025, the government announced the redesign of which scheme to boost spiritual tourism? Ans: PRASAD/PRASHAD.
Descriptive Topics (Mains)
- "Discuss the potential of religious tourism in India's economic growth and the role of schemes like PRASHAD in realizing this potential."
- "Analyze the shift from infrastructure-led tourism to experience-led tourism in recent government policies."
— End of Report —
Sources:
- Bharat Voice News, Daily Veracity News, News18, Business Standard (Dec 7-8, 2025)[web:127][web:128][web:129][web:131].
- Ministry of Tourism Official Website & Lok Sabha Proceedings[web:135].
