Parliament Question: Inclusion of Kolhapur in PRASHAD Scheme

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1193 ANSWERED ON 27.07.2026 INCLUSION OF KOLHAPUR IN PRASHAD SCHEME

1193. SHRI SHAHU SHAHAJI CHHATRAPATI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

(a) whether any proposal has been received or sanctioned for development of pilgrimage and heritage sites in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra including Mahalakshmi Temple and Jyotiba Temple, under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme;

(b) the details of funds allocated and released, project components sanctioned and physical/financial progress achieved at each site, if any such project exists;

(c) whether the Government proposes to identify and include additional pilgrimage/heritage sites in Kolhapur under the said scheme in the current and forthcoming financial years; and

(d) the timeline for completion of sanctioned works and the tourist footfall and economic benefit expected to accrue to the local community? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (c): Ministry of Tourism under its Scheme “Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive” (PRASHAD) provides financial assistance to the State Governments (SGs) and Union Territory Administrations (UTAs) for development of tourism related infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites across the country including the State of Maharashtra. This process is undertaken in consultation with concerned State Governments (SGs) and Union Territory Administrations (UTAs).

Currently, no proposal is under consideration, nor has any project been sanctioned for the development of pilgrimage and heritage sites in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra including Mahalakshmi Temple and Jyotiba Temple under the PRASHAD scheme.However, receiving proposals from the State Governments and UT Administrations for financial assistance for tourism projects is a continuous process. The proposals received are examined with reference to the prescribed guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects subject to fulfilment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds.

(d): The timeline varies for each project, as there are different physical conditions in different projects. The development of tourism infrastructure and visitor amenities under the PRASHAD scheme is intended to facilitate improved accessibility, better visitor experience and the overall development of pilgrimage destinations.

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