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Recently, the Prime Minister dedicated and launched 52 tourism sector projects worth more than Rs 1400 crores under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD Scheme.

Key Highlights On Swadesh Darshan Scheme and PRASAD Scheme

• The projects launched included three projects under the PRASHAD Scheme (Hazratbal- Srinagar, Jogulamba- Telangana, Amarkantak-Madhya Pradesh) worth Rs 129.35 Cr.
  • Major interventions developed in the projects include Pilgrim facilitation centre, Ghat Development, Façade illumination, Sound & Light show, Parking, Queue complex, Safety & security infrastructure etc.
• Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, 6 projects in the States of Bihar, Meghalaya and Rajasthan amounting to ₹ 339.59 Crores were also inaugurated.
• The Prime Minister has also launched three visionary campaigns and schemes for the tourism sector under Jan Bhagidari Initiatives 
  • Dekho Apna Desh People’s Choice 2024: a Tourist Destination Poll to identify the most  preferred tourist attractions under five categories– Spiritual, Cultural & Heritage, Nature & Wildlife, Adventure, and any other category.
  • Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign: to enable Indian diaspora members to become Incredible India ambassadors.
  • In the spirit of Jan Bhagidari for Atulya and Viksit Bharat, Indian diaspora members are requested to encourage five non-Indian friends to travel to India annually.
  • Challenge Destination Development (CBDD): To develop sustainable and responsible destinations that provide an end-to-end experience.

About Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• It provides financial assistance to the state governments/ UT administration/central agencies to develop tourism infrastructure in the country. 
• Objective:  To position tourism as a significant engine of economic growth and job creation following community-based development and a pro-poor tourism approach. 
• Status: 76 Projects have been sanctioned across 31 States/Union territories with a total capital outlay of ₹ 5294.1 Crore. 
• Swadesh Darshan 2.0: The Swadesh Darshan scheme was revamped to create a robust framework for integrated development of tourism destinations in partnership with the States/ UTs and local governments.
• Aim:  Promoting sustainable and responsible tourism.
• Status: The Ministry has notified 57 destinations from 32 States and Union Territories.
• • It has sanctioned 29 tourist experiences in 17 States/UTs amounting to ₹ 644.44 Crore to date.

About PRASAD Scheme

The Government of India launched the Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation and  Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Schemes in 2014-2015.

• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Tourism.
• Aims:  To integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritized, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience.
  • The growth of domestic tourism hugely depends on pilgrimage tourism.
• Significance:
  • The development and promotion of religious tourism in India.

News Source: PIB