PRASAD Scheme – Art and Culture Notes
The PRASAD scheme was launched by the Government of India in 2014-2015 (under the Ministry of Tourism). The PRASAD scheme stands for 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive.' In October 2017, the scheme's name was changed from PRASAD to "National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)." This article will explain to you about PRASAD Scheme which will be helpful in Art and Culture preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.
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Table of Contents |
What is PRASAD Scheme?
- This program focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites throughout India in order to enhance the religious tourism experience.
- It aims to prioritize, plan, and sustainably integrate pilgrimage destinations in order to provide a comprehensive religious tourism experience.
- Domestic tourism growth is heavily reliant on pilgrimage tourism.
- The PRASAD scheme aims to pave the way for religious tourism development and promotion in India.
- The projects identified under this scheme will be implemented by the respective State/Union Territory Government through the identified agencies.
Objectives of PRASAD Scheme
- Integrated development of pilgrimage destinations in a planned, prioritized, and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience.
- Harness pilgrimage tourism for its direct and multiplier effects on employment generation and economic development.
- Follow community-based development and pro-poor tourism concept in the development of the pilgrimage destinations.
- Leveraging public capital and expertise.
- Enhancing the tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner by developing world-class infrastructure in the religious destination.
- Creating awareness among the local communities about the importance of tourism for them in terms of increase in sources of income, improved living standards, and overall development of the area.
- Promote local arts, culture, handicrafts, cuisine, etc., to generate livelihood in the identified places.
Funding of PRASAD Scheme
- The Ministry of Tourism provides State Governments with Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to promote tourism at designated destinations.
- The Central Government will provide a 100 percent fund for components within the scope of public funding under this scheme.
- It also seeks to involve Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in order to improve the project's sustainability.
PRASAD Cities
- The PRASAD scheme focuses on the development and beautification of pilgrimage destinations identified under the HRIDAY Scheme.
- Previously, the scheme identified 12 cities for pilgrimage and heritage destination development.
- The rich heritage and cultural history of these cities served as the criterion for their selection.
- The following cities were initially identified as part of the scheme:
- Kamakhya (Assam)
- Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh)
- Ajmer (Rajasthan)
- Dwaraka (Gujarat)
- Gaya (Bihar)
- Amritsar (Punjab)
- Dwaraka (Gujarat)
- Kedarnath (Uttarakhand)
- Puri (Odisha)
- Kanchipuram (Tamil Nadu)
- Velankanni (Tamil Nadu)
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
- Mathura (Uttar Pradesh)
Conclusion
The PRASAD scheme aims to prioritize, plan, and sustainably develop pilgrimage destinations in order to provide a comprehensive religious tourism experience. To fully realize the potential of pilgrimage tourism, the government must invest in the holistic development of the selected pilgrimage destinations, in collaboration with other stakeholders.
FAQs
Question: What is the Prasad Scheme in India?
Answer: The Prasad Scheme, initiated by the Government of India in 2014, aims to promote religious tourism in the country by developing and enhancing the infrastructure of pilgrimage sites. The scheme focuses on providing various facilities such as improved access, amenities, and cleanliness at important pilgrimage destinations. Its primary objective is to attract both domestic and international tourists, thereby contributing to the overall growth of the tourism sector while also preserving cultural heritage.
Question: What are the key objectives of the Prasad Scheme?
Answer: The key objectives of the Prasad Scheme include enhancing pilgrimage sites, promoting tourism, preserving culture, and supporting economic development. It seeks to improve infrastructure and facilities at religious sites to ensure a better experience for visitors. The scheme also encourages both domestic and international tourists to visit India’s religious and cultural sites, while protecting and promoting the cultural heritage associated with these locations.
Question: Which notable sites are included under the Prasad Scheme?
Answer: The Prasad Scheme covers several prominent pilgrimage sites across India, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan, Buddha Stupa in Sarnath, Kedarnath and Badrinath in Uttarakhand, and Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. These sites were selected based on their historical and cultural significance, as well as their potential to attract tourists.
Question: How does the Prasad Scheme contribute to local communities?
Answer: The Prasad Scheme contributes to local communities by creating job opportunities in tourism, hospitality, and local businesses. The development of infrastructure leads to increased footfall, which boosts the local economy. Additionally, training programs for local residents in hospitality and tourism management can enhance their skills, enabling them to provide better services to visitors. The scheme also promotes the sale of local handicrafts and traditional products, further benefiting the community economically.
Question: What are the challenges faced in the implementation of the Prasad Scheme?
Answer: The challenges in implementing the Prasad Scheme include funding constraints, sustainability issues, local resistance, and coordination among departments. Ensuring adequate financial resources for the extensive development and maintenance of pilgrimage sites is crucial. Additionally, balancing development with the need to preserve the cultural and historical integrity of the sites is important. There may also be concerns from local communities about changes to their traditional way of life, and effective collaboration among various government departments and agencies is essential for successful execution.
MCQs
1. What is the primary focus of the Prasad Scheme?
A) Developing urban infrastructure
B) Promoting religious tourism
C) Enhancing agricultural productivity
D) Improving educational facilities
Answer: See the Explanation
Explanation: The primary focus of the Prasad Scheme is to promote religious tourism by developing and enhancing pilgrimage sites.
2. Which of the following is a key objective of the Prasad Scheme?
A) Cultural preservation
B) Urban development
C) Reducing tourism
D) Promoting exports
Answer: See the Explanation
Explanation: Cultural preservation is a key objective of the Prasad Scheme, alongside enhancing infrastructure at religious sites.
3. Which famous temple is included in the Prasad Scheme?
A) Golden Temple
B) Kashi Vishwanath Temple
C) Brihadeeswarar Temple
D) Meenakshi Temple
Answer: See the Explanation
Explanation: The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is one of the notable sites included in the Prasad Scheme.
4. How does the Prasad Scheme aim to support local economies?
A) By restricting tourism
B) By promoting local crafts and employment
C) By increasing taxes
D) By reducing local participation
Answer: See the Explanation
Explanation: The Prasad Scheme supports local economies by promoting local crafts and creating employment opportunities in tourism-related sectors.
5. What is one of the major challenges of implementing the Prasad Scheme?
A) Overwhelming support from local communities
B) Funding constraints
C) Excessive government involvement
D) High levels of tourism
Answer: See the Explanation
Explanation: Funding constraints pose a major challenge in implementing the Prasad Scheme effectively.
GS Mains Questions and Model Answers
Q1: Examine the impact of the Prasad Scheme on cultural heritage preservation in India.
Answer: The Prasad Scheme has a significant impact on the preservation of cultural heritage in India by focusing on the development and maintenance of pilgrimage sites that hold historical and cultural significance. By improving infrastructure and facilities at these sites, the scheme enhances the visitor experience while promoting respect and understanding of the cultural narratives associated with each location. The funding and support provided under the scheme facilitate conservation efforts, allowing for the restoration of heritage sites and the promotion of local traditions and practices. Additionally, by generating increased interest in religious tourism, the scheme contributes to the economic viability of preserving these sites, creating a sustainable model for cultural heritage management in India. Ultimately, the Prasad Scheme serves as a vital link between tourism, cultural preservation, and economic development.
Q2: Discuss the potential challenges of integrating the Prasad Scheme with local community interests.
Answer: Integrating the Prasad Scheme with local community interests presents several challenges that require careful consideration. One of the primary challenges is the potential resistance from local communities who may feel that their cultural practices and traditional lifestyles are being overshadowed by tourism-driven developments. Ensuring that local voices are heard in the planning and implementation processes is crucial for gaining community support. Additionally, there may be concerns about the economic benefits of the scheme not reaching local residents, leading to feelings of disenfranchisement. Furthermore, the influx of tourists can strain local resources and infrastructure, causing disruptions to daily life. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to engage local communities actively, involve them in decision-making, and create programs that ensure equitable distribution of the benefits generated by the scheme.
Q3: Evaluate the role of government policies in supporting the objectives of the Prasad Scheme.
Answer: Government policies play a critical role in supporting the objectives of the Prasad Scheme by providing the necessary framework and resources for its implementation. Policies that prioritize the development of tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable practices, and ensure cultural preservation are essential for the scheme's success. Furthermore, the government can facilitate partnerships between public and private sectors to leverage additional investment and expertise in enhancing pilgrimage sites. Funding mechanisms and incentives for local artisans and businesses can also promote community involvement and enhance the local economy. Additionally, the integration of the Prasad Scheme with broader national policies on tourism and cultural heritage management can help align its objectives with the country’s economic and social development goals, ensuring a holistic approach to enhancing India’s cultural landscape.
Previous Year Questions on the Prasad Scheme
1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:
Question: What is the primary objective of the Prasad Scheme?
A) To increase agricultural productivity
B) To promote religious tourism
C) To enhance urban infrastructure
D) To support education initiatives
Answer: (B)
Explanation: The primary objective of the Prasad Scheme is to promote religious tourism by developing pilgrimage sites across India.
2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):
Question: "Assess the significance of the Prasad Scheme in preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism in India." Discuss its impacts and challenges.
Answer: The Prasad Scheme is significant in preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism in India as it focuses on enhancing the infrastructure of important religious sites. By attracting tourists, the scheme not only boosts the local economy but also raises awareness about India's rich cultural heritage. However, challenges such as ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits, addressing environmental concerns, and integrating local communities into the tourism framework must be tackled to maximize the positive impacts of the scheme. Effective implementation requires collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and tourism operators, to create a sustainable model that honors and preserves India's diverse cultural narratives.
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