Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today alleged that the West Bengal government has not submitted any proposal for the promotion of religious tourism in the state.

 

 

The Minister said the central government had given 68 crore rupees under the coastal circuit initiative and 31 crore rupees for the development of Belur Math under the ‘PRASAD’ scheme.

 

 

The Minister alleged that after, the state government is not participating in various central-sponsored schemes like ‘Swadesh Darshan, PRASAD’ for the development of religious tourism in the state.

 

 

Replying to the supplementaries in the Lok Sabha, the Minister added that it is the responsibility of the state government because it is a state subject.  Replying to the issue of inclusion of ‘Gangasagrar’ in the national pilgrimage scheme, the Minister said Gangasagar has immense importance in the Indian mythology and culture, but it is the responsibility of the state government to make a detailed project report (DPR), and only to Ministry will take necessary action.

 

 

The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, launched by India’s Ministry of Tourism, aims to develop thematic tourist circuits like Rural, Himalayan, Coastal, and Buddhist to boost tourism, create jobs, and promote cultural heritage through planned infrastructure. The PRASAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) is a government initiative launched in 2014-15 to develop and revitalise pilgrimage sites across India.