UPSC Articles
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.
