Context:
A parliamentary committee has observed that under the PRASHAD scheme, only 21 of 45 projects have been completed.
PRASHAD Scheme:
- A government initiative for the integrated development of pilgrimage and heritage tourism.
- Launched by – Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15.
- Stands for “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)”
- Implementing Agency – Respective State/Union Territory Government.
- Objectives –
- Rejuvenation and spiritual enhancement of significant national/global pilgrimage and heritage sites.
- Promote community-based development and raise awareness among local communities.
- Integrate tourism development, including heritage city, local arts, culture, handicrafts, cuisine, etc., to create livelihoods.
- Strengthen mechanisms to bridge infrastructural gaps.
- Funding –
- Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments for promoting tourism at identified destinations.
- The Central Government provides 100% funding for components within public funding under the scheme.
- To improve project sustainability, the scheme also involves Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Source: TH
Previous Year Question
With reference to the art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made the earliest?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
(b) Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
(c) Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
(d) Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Answer: (b)