Latest news with #PRASHAD

The Hindu
4 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Shivamogga MP meets Finance Minister, seeks inclusion of Kollur under PRASHAD scheme
MP for Shivamogga B.Y. Raghavendra on Wednesday met Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Delhi, discussed key projects concerning Karnataka, and sought her support for the inclusion of Kollur in Udupi distrit under the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) scheme. A communique released by the MP's office said that Mr. Raghavendra requested the Minister to support the proposal to tap the tourism potential of Kollur under the PRASHAD scheme. Kollur was known for the Mookambika Temple, and development of the place with an eye on tourism would ensure growth in the region, he stated. Mr. Raghavendra requested the Minister to grant funds to set up wellness centres at Shivamogga, Mangaluru, and Udupi under the Central Government Health Scheme and recruit people for the centres. The Lok Sabha member said that he had a fruitful discussion with the Minister, and he was confident that she would consider his pleas and extend her support for the benefit of people in Karnataka.


Hans India
02-08-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Naidu vows to develop Rayalaseema region
Jammalamadugu: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Friday reiterated his commitment to transforming Rayalaseema into a hub of prosperity. Speaking at Praja Vedika event in Jammalamadugu, YSR Kadapa district, the Chief Minister said the government is fast-tracking projects like Handri-Neeva, which will provide irrigationto six lakh acres and drinking water to 33 lakh people in four districts of Rayalaseema. He claimed the previous TDP government spent over Rs 12,441 crore on irrigation projects from 2014-19, while the YSRCP government only spent Rs 2,000 crore in five announced a comprehensive roadmap for industrial development in the region, focusing on sectors like automotive, aerospace, defense, and green energy. "We will establish an electronics, defense, and aerospace hub between Orvakal and Lepakshi," he said, adding that a 'Drone City' is also planned for Kurnool and Orvakal. In what could be described as a significant announcement aimed at supporting the handloom sector, the Chief Minister declared a free electricity scheme for weavers. Naidu stated that weavers with power looms will receive 500 units of free electricity, while those with handlooms will get 200 units. The scheme will be implemented starting August 7, to coincide with International Handloom Day. He announced that Jindal Group has come forward to establish the Kadapa Steel Plant, with work beginning in two phases at a total cost of Rs 16,350 crore. 'This project will be operational by 2029 and will bring development to Jammalamadugu and surrounding areas,' he stated. The Chief Minister also announced plans to develop Gandikota as a major tourist destination with a central government grant of Rs 80 crore under the PRASHAD scheme. 'We will make Gandikota, with its beautiful canyons, even more attractive and install a 100-foot-tall statue of Sri Krishnadevaraya,' he said, adding that connecting Gandikota, Ontimitta, and the Kadapa Fort will boost tourism in the region. He then announced that the government will deposit money under the Annadata Sukhibhava scheme on Saturday. Each farmer will receive Rs 7,000 in the first installment, with the state's share being Rs 5,000 and the central government contributing Rs 2,000.


Hans India
25-07-2025
- Hans India
AP allocated over Rs 375 cr for tourism projects
New Delhi: The Union ministry of tourism has sanctioned projects worth Rs 375.07 crore for Andhra Pradesh in the fiscal year 2024-25 under various Central sector schemes, Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Responding to questions by MPs Sana Satish Babu and Beeda Masthan Rao Yadav, the minister said that schemes like Swadesh Darshan, Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD), and PRASHAD are aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure in coordination with state efforts. Key projects include development of the Suryalanka Beach Experience with Rs 97.52 crore and the Borra Caves–Araku–Lambasingi circuit with Rs 29.87 crore under Swadesh Darshan 2.0. Under the CBDD scheme, Rs 25 crore each has been allocated for Ahobilam and Nagarjuna Sagar Buddhist heritage projects. Additionally, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme, Rs 77.91 crore has been proposed for Gandikota's fort and gorge area, and Rs 94.44 crore for the Akhanda Godavari project in Rajamahendravaram. The PRASHAD scheme will fund Rs 25.33 crore for infrastructure development at Annavaram temple town. Minister Shekhawat also mentioned that three earlier-approved projects worth Rs 124.89 crore are still under implementation, and Rs 147.46 crore was spent between 2014–18 under the original Swadesh Darshan scheme for coastal and Buddhist circuit development in the state.


The Hindu
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
₹375 crore worth tourism projects sanctioned for A.P. in 2024-25: Union Tourism Minister Shekhawat
Union Ministry of Tourism, through its Central sector schemes, has sanctioned various projects worth ₹375.07 crore, said Union Minister for Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. In a written reply to the questions by Sana Satish Babu and Beedha Masthan Rao Yadav in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Shekhawat said financial assistance was extended to the State of Andhra Pradesh under Swadesh Darshan (SD), Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD 2.0), Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD), a sub-scheme of Swadesh Darshan, and Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD). The Minister said funds to the tune of ₹97.52 crore were sanctioned for the Suryalanka Beach project, and ₹29.871 crore for Borra Cave Experience at Araku-Lambasingi under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 in the State for the year 2024-25. Similarly, ₹25 crore each was sanctioned for the projects 'Ahobilam- a Spiritual Odyssey' and for enriching Buddhist heritage and cultural experience at Nagarjuna Sagar, under the CBDD scheme. The Minister said under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), ₹77.91 crore was allocated for the Gandikota project and ₹94.44 crore for the Akhanda Godavari scheme at Rajamahendravaram. Other allocations included ₹25.33 crore for development of pilgrimage tourism in Annavaram temple town under PRASHAD. Three projects worth ₹124.89 crore sanctioned in the previous year, are in progress. Mr. Shekhawat said Andhra Pradesh utilised funds to the tune of ₹147.46 crore sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan scheme to develop coastal circuit and Buddhist circuit projects between 2014 and 2018. *


Hans India
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Guidelines framed for adventure tourism: Union Minister
New Delhi: The Ministry of Tourism, in association with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India, has formulated Model Adventure Safety Guidelines to establish a safety framework for adventure tourism, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday. Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in a written reply, said These guidelines have been circulated to all States and Union Territories for adoption and formulation/updation of safety protocols. Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including adventure tourism, is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry complements the efforts of States/UTs through various schemes and initiatives, he said The Ministry of Tourism, through its central sector schemes of 'Swadesh Darshan', 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)' and 'Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development' extends financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for tourism infrastructure development in the country, including Adventure Tourism, he said. In response to another question, Shekhawat said that the Ministry has launched the revamped version of the Incredible India Digital Platform (IIDP) as a comprehensive resource for travellers and stakeholders interested in exploring the country, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday He said the IIDP uses an AI-powered tool that personalises visitor experiences by offering real-time weather updates, city exploration, and essential travel services. The portal has also partnered with several OTAs (Online Travel Agents) and stakeholders for seamless booking of flights, hotels, cabs, and buses and tickets for ASI monuments, he said. NIDHI+ platform covers approval and classification of accommodation units as well as the approval, recognition, and registration of other key tourism service providers. The portal has also been integrated with the IIDP for providing credible, real-time information for the service providers, he said.