Strengthening Pilgrimage Infrastructure in Maharashtra under PRASHAD scheme

1. At a Glance

• PRASHAD = Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive — a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism for holistic development of tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage/heritage sites [1][2].
• 100% centrally funded; covers identified religious sites across States/UTs [2].
• Maharashtra has one sanctioned project — Development of Trimbakeshwar, Nashik (2017-18) [1].
• Useful for GS-I (culture), GS-II (Centre-State schemes) and GS-III (tourism, economy).

2. Why in the News

• PIB release dated 13 February 2026 by Ministry of Tourism on "Strengthening Pilgrimage Infrastructure in Maharashtra under PRASHAD scheme" — updated cumulative status: 54 projects in 28 States/UTs at ₹1,726.74 crore, of which Maharashtra has one project (Trimbakeshwar) at ₹45.41 crore sanctioned in 2017-18 [1].

3. Background & Evolution

• Launched in 2014-15 as PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) [3].
• Later rebranded PRASHAD with "Heritage" inserted (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) to broaden scope to heritage sites [1].
• Operates as a Central Sector Scheme parallel to the Swadesh Darshan Scheme (theme-based tourist circuits) [3].
• Cumulative sanctions evolved: ₹727.16 cr / 24 projects (2018) → 48 projects / ₹1,646.99 cr → 54 projects / ₹1,726.74 cr (Feb 2026) [3][1].

4. Core Static Facts

• Full form: Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive [1].
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India [1].
• Type: Central Sector Scheme (100% Central funding for components under MoT; states bear O&M, land, etc.) [2].
• Launch year: 2014-15 (as PRASAD) [3].
• Cumulative outlay (Feb 2026): ₹1,726.74 crore; 54 projects; 28 States/UTs [1].
• Maharashtra project: Development of Trimbakeshwar (Nashik); sanctioned 2017-18; cost ₹45.41 crore — one of the Jyotirlinga sites [1].
• Submission: Proposals from States/UTs are a continuous process, examined as per scheme guidelines [1].

5. Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Economic

• Tourism is a labour-intensive sector; pilgrimage infra boosts local economies (transport, hospitality, handicrafts) [1].
• Project cost in Maharashtra (₹45.41 cr) modest vs national outlay ₹1,726.74 cr — concentration in other States like UP, Bihar, Odisha [1].

Administrative / Federalism

• Centre sanctions; State implements via designated agencies — execution speed depends on State capacity (only 1 project in Maharashtra since 2017-18 reflects slow proposal pipeline) [1].
• Convergence with Swadesh Darshan required to avoid duplication [3].

Social / Cultural

• Targets civilisational sites (Jyotirlingas, Shakti Peethas, etc.); supports intangible heritage through visitor experience upgrades [1].
• Inclusivity issues: accessibility for differently-abled, elderly pilgrims emphasised in guidelines.

Environmental

• Trimbakeshwar lies at source of Godavari; infra works must align with eco-sensitive zone norms — sustainable development now a stated PRASHAD focus [4].

6. Recent Developments (last 12-18 months)

• 13 Feb 2026 – PIB statement: 54 projects/₹1,726.74 cr cumulative; Maharashtra status reiterated [1].
• Parliamentary replies in 2025 on Sustainable Development under PRASHAD flagged eco-friendly design mandates [4].
• Continued emphasis on Cultural Corridor projects under PRASHAD (2025-26) [5].

7. Prelims Hooks

• PRASHAD stands for Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (note: "Heritage" added after rebranding) [1].
• Implemented by Ministry of Tourism (not Ministry of Culture, not MoHUA) [1].
• Launched in 2014-15; original name was PRASAD [3].
• It is a Central Sector Scheme — 100% Central funding [2].
• Sister scheme: Swadesh Darshan (theme-based tourist circuits) [3].
• 54 projects in 28 States/UTs; outlay ₹1,726.74 crore (as of Feb 2026) [1].
• Maharashtra's lone PRASHAD project: Trimbakeshwar, Nashik, sanctioned 2017-18, ₹45.41 crore [1].
• Trimbakeshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and source of river Godavari.
• Proposal submission by States/UTs is a continuous process [1].
• As of 2018, only ₹727.16 cr / 24 projects had been sanctioned (growth trajectory) [3].

8. Mains Relevance

• GS-I: Indian Culture — salient features of art forms, architecture; heritage conservation.
• GS-II: Government schemes; Centre-State implementation.
• GS-III: Tourism as driver of growth and employment; infrastructure.

Question stems

1. "Discuss how schemes like PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan leverage India's civilisational heritage for inclusive economic growth. (15 marks)"
2. "Pilgrimage tourism in India suffers from infrastructure deficits and ecological stress. Examine in light of PRASHAD scheme. (10 marks)"
3. "Differentiate between PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan, highlighting their convergence in promoting cultural tourism. (10 marks)"

9. Related Topics to Study Next

• Swadesh Darshan 2.0 — sister scheme; theme-based circuits.
• HRIDAY (Heritage City Development) — MoHUA-led, often confused with PRASHAD.
• Dekho Apna Desh — domestic tourism campaign.
• ASI & AMASR Act 1958 — for monument protection at pilgrim sites.
• Jyotirlingas / Char Dham / Shakti Peethas — civilisational geography.
• Namami Gange — overlaps at riverine pilgrimage sites (Godavari/Ganga).
• G20 Tourism Track outcomes — global linkages.
• National Tourism Policy (Draft).

10. Common Errors / Trap Areas

• Wrong full form: PRASAD vs PRASHAD ("Heritage" added on rebrand) [1].
• Wrong ministry: Belongs to Tourism, not Culture or MoHUA (HRIDAY is MoHUA) [1].
• Funding pattern: It is Central Sector (100% central), not Centrally Sponsored.
• Maharashtra count: Only one sanctioned project (Trimbakeshwar) — aspirants often assume multiple sites like Shirdi/Pandharpur are included [1].
• Year confusion: Scheme launched 2014-15, Trimbakeshwar project sanctioned 2017-18 [3][1].