Question : PROMOTION OF RELIGIOUS SITES

(a) whether the Government has formulated any plan to encourage pilgrimage tourism and has taken initiatives to develop religious sites as tourist destinations in the country including Manikaran Sahib, Vaishno Devi, Shirdi Sai Baba, Temples of Mathura and Shani Shingnapur;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the further action taken by the Government in this regard;

(c) the funds allocated by the Government to develop these religious places;

(d) whether the Government has also any proposal to develop a few religious tourist circuits in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a) to (c): With a view to beautify and improve the amenities and infrastructure at pilgrimage centres of all faiths, a National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) has been announced in the Union Budget 2014-15 and an amount of Rs.100.00 crore has been earmarked for this initiative in the current financial year.

The Ministry of Tourism is formulating a new Scheme for this National Mission.

(d) and (e): Five tourist circuits around specific themes including religious themes are to be created under a new Central Sector Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2014-15 and an amount of Rs.500.00 crore has been earmarked for this purpose in the current financial year.