Promotion of Buddhist Sites under Swadesh Darshan & PRASHAD

Promotion of Buddhist Sites under Swadesh Darshan & PRASHAD

Part of: GS Prelims and GS-I – Indian Heritage Sites

In news

• Development of tourism related infrastructure and facilities at various Buddhist Sites in India under flagship schemes of Swadesh Darshan & PRASHAD has been undertaken.

• Ministry: Ministry of Tourism

Steps Taken 

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme has included Buddhist circuit and Spiritual circuit among its 13 thematic circuits.
• 30 projects for development of infrastructure have also been undertaken under the PRASHAD Scheme.
• Buddhist Sites at Bodhgaya, Ajanta & Ellora have been identified to be developed as Iconic Tourist Sites.
• Buddhist Conclave is organised every alternate year with the objective of promoting India as a Buddhist Destination.
• Signages have been installed in Chinese language at buddhist monuments in Uttar Pradesh and in Sinhala language at Sanchi monuments in Madhya Pradesh.

Important value additions

PRASHAD Scheme

• The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive’ (PRASAD).
• Launched by: Ministry of Tourism (2014-15).
• It was changed from PRASAD to “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)” in October 2017.
• Objective: (1) Holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations; (2) Rejuvenation and spiritual augmentation of important pilgrimage and heritage sites; (3) Follow community-based development and create awareness among the local communities; (4) Strengthen the mechanism for bridging the infrastructural gaps.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2014 -15.
• Objective: (1) Integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country; (2) To position the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation
• The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for infrastructure development of circuits.