PRASHAD Scheme

The PRASHAD Scheme develops important pilgrimage and spiritual heritage destinations so that visitors receive a safe, accessible and complete tourism experience. Its central objective is the integrated, planned and sustainable development of such destinations through better infrastructure and visitor facilities.

Institutional framework

PRASHAD stands for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive. It is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15, with financial assistance provided for approved destination-development projects.

How the objective is pursued

The scheme treats the pilgrimage destination as an integrated tourism space rather than supporting isolated structures.

• It supports tourism infrastructure such as last-mile connectivity, sanitation, drinking water, illumination, interpretation facilities and other visitor amenities.
• It encourages coordination among governments and other stakeholders to avoid fragmented development and improve destination management.
• It seeks to enhance the pilgrimage experience while promoting sustainability, local employment, traditional skills, arts and crafts.

Significance for Indian society

Pilgrimage centres connect religious practice with local culture, settlement patterns and livelihoods. Their planned development can improve public amenities and economic opportunities, but must respect the destination's cultural character and environmental carrying capacity.