**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Ministry of Tourism's response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2344, answered on August 4, 2025, regarding the development of pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme.
The Ministry of Tourism clarifies that the development and promotion of tourist destinations are primarily the responsibility of the respective State Governments/Union Territory Administrations. However, the Ministry of Tourism, through the PRASHAD scheme, provides financial assistance to State Governments and UT Administrations for developing tourism-related infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites, including those in Madhya Pradesh.
Financial assistance is extended based on proposals received from States/UTs, subject to fund availability, Detailed Project Report (DPR) submission, adherence to scheme guidelines, and utilization of previously released funds.
As of August 4, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned two projects in Madhya Pradesh under the PRASHAD scheme:
1. **Development of Amarkantak:** Sanctioned in 2020-21 with an allocated amount of ₹49.99 Crore.
2. **Development of Omkareshwar:** Sanctioned in 2017-18 with an allocated amount of ₹43.93 Crore.
The response indicates that no projects have been specifically identified or developed in the districts of Katni, Panna, or the town of Khajuraho within the Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency *under this scheme* as of the date of the response, implying that any future development would be contingent on proposals received from the State Government of Madhya Pradesh and subject to the conditions outlined in the response.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Tourism: The Indian government ministry responsible for the formulation and administration of the rules, regulations and policies relating to the development and promotion of tourism in India.
Shri Vishnu Datt Sharma: Member of Parliament who asked the question regarding pilgrimage sites in Madhya Pradesh.
PRASHAD Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive Scheme: A central sector scheme by the Ministry of Tourism to develop religious and heritage tourism destinations.
Madhya Pradesh: A state in central India, focus of the question regarding development of pilgrimage sites.
Katni district, Madhya Pradesh: A district in Madhya Pradesh, mentioned as a location of pilgrimage sites.
Panna district, Madhya Pradesh: A district in Madhya Pradesh, mentioned as a location of pilgrimage sites.
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: A town and Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, known for its temples and heritage.
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Minister of Tourism who answered the question in the Lok Sabha.
Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh: A pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh where development has been sanctioned under the PRASHAD scheme.
Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh: A pilgrimage site in Madhya Pradesh where development has been sanctioned under the PRASHAD scheme.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2344
ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025
DEVELOPMENT OF PILGRIMAGE SITES IN MADHYA PRADESH
2344. SHRI VISHNU DATT SHARMA:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is implementing the PRASHAD
(Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation
Drive) Scheme to develop religious and heritage tourism
destinations, particularly in the State of Madhya Pradesh;
(b) if so, whether the Government has identified or developed
pilgrimage sites or heritage locations in the districts of Katni
Panna, and the town of Khajuraho in the Khajuraho Lok Sabha
constituency;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the measures taken/being taken for
infrastructural development and tourist facilities under the said
scheme; and
(d) if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (d): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and
products is primarily undertaken by the respective State
Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism
through its central sector scheme of “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and
Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD)provides financial
assistance to the State Governments and Union Territory
Administrations for development of tourism related infrastructure at
identified religious and heritage sites across the country, including the
State of Madhya Pradesh.
Assistance is extended based on proposals received from
States/UTs, subject to availability of funds, submission of DetailedProject Reports (DPRs) by the State/UT, adherence to scheme guidelines,
utilization of funds released earlier etc.
Under PRASHAD scheme, the Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned 2
projects in the state of Madhya Pradesh the detail of which is as under:
(Rs. In Crore)
Name of the Project Sanction Year Sanction Amount
(in Crores)
Development of Amarkantak 2020-21 49.99
Development of Omkareshwar 2017-18 43.93
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