Integrated Development of Tourist Circuits Around Specific Themes (Swadesh Darshan) & PRASAD: Most Important Topic for 2023 NET, IAS, State-SET (KSET, WBSET, MPSET, etc.), GATE, CUET, Olympiads etc.

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  • In 2015 to attract more tourist in the country the modi government had launched a tourist based scheme. Swadesh darshan scheme is based on some of the tourist circuits that will be covered under the PRASAD & swadesh darshan. prasad was launched at the same time that stands for pilgrimage rejuvenation & spiritual augmentation drive. This will lead the central government to develop the heritage cities of the country in a better way to gain more visitors. Under the SDS there will be few tourist circuits that will be covered by the tourist.

The Objective

  • Identify & develop theme-based tourist circuits based on interest, sustainability & competitiveness, by integrating resources & local participation of state & local communities.
  • Theme-based high-interest tourist circuits to include:
    • Pilgrimage & Spirituality – India has a long history of opening itself to all religions & today, each has a vast following in India & overseas. Pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Sufis, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, etc. , all offer tremendous potential for development.
    • Heritage – Historical places beginning with the Taj Mahal, Red Fort (Delhi) , Ajanta Caves, the temples of South, etc. , all have tremendous potential for further development.
    • Culture – Themes around festivals, fairs, cattle fairs, community fairs, all continue to attract large number of tourists each year.
    • Eco-tourism – Preserve & promote bio-diversity & ecological conservation through responsible tourism.
Illustration: The Objective

The Ministry of Tourism Has Identified 13 Theme-Based Circuits to be Developed

  • The Himalayan Circuit
  • The Coastal Circuit
  • The North-East India Circuit
  • The Buddhist Circuit
  • The Desert Circuit
  • The Krishna Circuit
  • The Tribal Circuit
  • The Ramayana Circuit
  • The Spiritual Circuit
  • The Eco Circuit
  • The Heritage Circuit
  • The Wildlife Circuit
  • The Rural Circuit
  • The Benefit
  • Increased local employment opportunities to generate more incomes & lead to an improved quality of life.
  • Preservation of local culture, tradition & customs.
  • Development of hotels, guest houses & home-stay opportunities.
  • Development of tourism-related service support infrastructure like transport, catering, excursions & retail.

PRASAD – Pilgrimage-Themed Tourist Circuit Development

  • Religion and spirituality has a large following in India & each year, millions of people from India & overseas visit sites of religious & spiritual significance.
  • To further develop these popular sites, the Government of India announced plans to launch the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation & Spiritual Augmentation Drive – PRASAD, with an initial allocation of ₹ 100 crore, in the 2014 - 15 Budget.