7 projects worth Rs. 594 Crores sanctioned for J&K and Ladakh under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Schemes

News: The Ministry of Tourism, under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD, has sanctioned 7 projects worth Rs. 594 Crores for J&K and Ladakh

Facts:

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

• Launch: 2014-2015
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tourism
• Aim: Integrated development of theme-based tourist circuits
• Objectives:
  •  position tourism as a major engine of economic growth and job creation
  • Develop circuits having tourist potential in a planned and prioritized manner;
  • Promote cultural and heritage value of the country to generate livelihoods in the identified regions
• Thematic Circuits under Scheme: North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Heritage Circuit, Sufi Circuit, and Tirthankar Circuit.

Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) Scheme:

• Launch: 2015
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Tourism
• Aim: identifying and developing pilgrim sites across India.
• Objectives:
  • Harness pilgrimage tourism for its direct and multiplier effect upon employment generation and economic development.
  • Enhance tourist attractiveness in a sustainable manner by developing world-class infrastructure in religious destinations.
  •  promote local art, culture, handicraft, cuisine