DIMAPUR — The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 46 projects under its ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) Scheme, out of which two projects have been sanctioned for Nagaland, amounting to INR 43.38 crore.
This information was shared by Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on November 25.
The first project under the PRASHAD Scheme was sanctioned in the year 2018–2019 for the development of pilgrimage infrastructure at Molungkimong, Noksen Church, Aizuto, Wokha, and Kohima, with an approved cost of INR 25.20 crore.
Out of the approved sanctioned cost, a total of INR 21.33 crore has been released, with physical progress at 100% and financial progress at 84%.
The second project under the PRASHAD Scheme was sanctioned in the year 2022-2023 for the development of pilgrimage tourism infrastructure at Zunheboto, with an approved cost of INR 18.18 crore.
Out of the approved sanctioned cost, a total of INR 10.90 crore has been released, with physical progress at 62% and financial progress at 60%.
The Ministry of Tourism, under its PRASHAD Scheme, provides financial assistance to state governments and union territory administrations for the development of tourism infrastructure at pre-identified pilgrimage destinations and heritage cities.
Under this scheme, infrastructure interventions are implemented in consultation with the respective state governments and union territories.
The Ministry of Tourism, from time to time, receives proposals from various sources for the development of infrastructure under the PRASHAD Scheme. These proposals are evaluated in accordance with the scheme guidelines and established procedures.