(a) whether the Government has formulated the details of the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) announced in the Union Budget, 2014;
(b) if so, the details of projects to be supported under the programme, State-wise;
(c) whether the traditional pilgrimage sites of Sabarimala, Kurushimala and the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in the State of Kerala have been included under the programme; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) (SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)
(a) to (d): The development, promotion, and identification of new tourism destinations is primarily the responsibility of the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration including the pilgrimage centers for the State of Kerala. However, the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to various State Governments/Union Territory Administration for various tourism projects prioritized every year in consultation with them subject to availability of funds, inter-se priority and adherence to the scheme guidelines.
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 proposed for this initiative.
The Ministry of Tourism is formulating a new Scheme for implementation.