Lok Sabha Question No. 3836 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: PRASAD Scheme In West Bengal
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Raju Bista

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## 3836

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO .

## ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## PRASAD SCHEME IN WEST BENGAL

## 3836. SHRI RAJU BISTA:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state :

- ( a ) the details of the funds allocated, sanctioned, disbursed and utilized under  the  PRASAD  (Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and  Spiritual,  Heritage Augmentation  Drive)  Scheme  in  Darjeeling  and  Kalimpong  districts, West Bengal, site and year-wise;
- (b) the details of the measures being taken by the Government to ensure sustainability  in  the  development  of  pilgrimage  tourism  under  the aforementioned scheme;
- (c) the  details  of  the  initiatives  taken  by  the  Government  to  promote awareness of the sites developed under the aforementioned Scheme;
- (d) the details of the steps being taken to enhance the connectivity and accessibility of pilgrimage sites under the PRASAD Scheme; and
- (e) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  expand  the  scope  of  the PRASAD Scheme to more pilgrimage destinations,  if  so,  the  details thereof?

## ANSWER

(

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM

SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT )

- (a): The  Ministry  of  Tourism  under  the  'Pilgrimage  Rejuvenation  and Spiritual,  Heritage  Augmentation  Drive'  (PRASHAD)  provides  financial assistance to the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations for development of tourism infrastructure at identified pilgrimage destinations.

No proposal is under the consideration of the Ministry of Tourism under the PRASHAD  Scheme  in  Darjeeling  and  Kalimpong  districts,  West  Bengal.

However, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a project 'Development of  Belur  Math'  in  West  Bengal  at  a  cost  of  Rs.  30.03  crore  under  the PRASHAD Scheme. (b): Under the PRASHAD scheme infrastructure development is undertaken  at  the  identified pilgrimage  destinations  in an  inclusive, integrated,  and  sustainable  manner  that  focuses  on  livelihoods,  skills, cleanliness, security, accessibility, and service delivery. During  the  preparation  of  Detailed  Project  Report  (DPR),  the  Ministry  of Tourism emphasizes the State Governments/UT Administrations to prioritize  clean  energy  sources,  use  of  locally  available  materials  for construction and procure eco-friendly transport options for last-mile connectivity. In addition, emphasis is placed on the inclusion of sustainable operation and maintenance plans. (c): The Ministry  of  Tourism  as  part  of  its  ongoing  endeavour  promotes various  tourism  destinations  and  products  of  the  country  including  the sites developed under the PRASHAD Scheme through promotional activities,  events,  website,  social  media  promotions,  fairs  and  festivals, etc. (d): The Ministry of Tourism under its PRASHAD Scheme has sanctioned universal accessibility features including ramps, railings, dedicated wheelchair-accessible facilities, provisions for e-vehicles and lifts, etc. to facilitate accessibility to pilgrimage sites. In addition, to improve connectivity to the site, several components have been sanctioned including approach road development, road widening and beautification,  development  of  destination  entry  points  viz.  passenger terminals. (e): Receiving proposals from the State Governments/UT Administrations for financial assistance for tourism projects under the PRASHAD Scheme is a continuous process. The proposals received are examined with reference to the prescribed guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds.

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