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PRASHAD Scheme and Swadesh Darshan Scheme

PYQs

8

Articles

1

Momentum

21

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

These schemes illustrate the government's role in promoting tourism, infrastructure development, regional development, and cultural preservation through specific policy instruments, directly impacting economic growth and public welfare.

The PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) and Swadesh Darshan schemes are flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, aimed at developing integrated tourism infrastructure and promoting specific thematic circuits across the country.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

PRASHAD Scheme Focus

Develops tourism infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites (e.g., 54 projects sanctioned with ₹1,726.74 crore investment).

Swadesh Darshan Scheme Focus

Develops integrated tourism infrastructure across 15 thematic circuits (e.g., Buddhist, Sufi, Himalayan, Ramayana circuits; 76 projects sanctioned with ₹5,290.33 crore investment).

Common Objectives

Enhance visitor experience, improve connectivity, and boost regional economic growth through tourism.

Implementing Ministry

Both schemes are implemented by the Union Ministry of Tourism.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaIndian Economy
Conceptual areaGovernment Policies
Conceptual areaIndian Culture

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Ministry of TourismImplements
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Flagship initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
  • PRASHAD focuses on developing infrastructure at identified religious and heritage sites.
  • Swadesh Darshan develops integrated tourism infrastructure across 15 thematic circuits.
  • Aims to enhance visitor experience, improve connectivity, and foster regional economic growth.
  • Represent significant government investment in tourism infrastructure and cultural promotion.

High-confidence PYQs

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Topic timeline

Indian EconomyGovernment PoliciesIndian Culture
Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Policy measures

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Open question

‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to -

Open question
Prelims 2016· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

Open question

‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to -

Open question
Prelims 2017· Terminology-based question, Policy measures

What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? 1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. 2. To increase the qua...

Open question

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

Open question
Prelims 2017· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? 1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. 2. To increase the qua...

Open question

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Policy measures

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Open question

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did...

Open question
Prelims 2018· Multi-statement analysis, Conceptual understanding

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

Open question

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Factual recall, Conceptual understanding

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

Open question

Faith travels first class: India’s spiritual tourism

11 Sep 2026 · The PRASHAD and Swadesh Darshan schemes are key government initiatives under the Ministry of Tourism to develop religious and thematic tourism circuits, improve infrastructure, and enhance visitor experience, thereby boosting regional economies and cultural promotion.

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Related topics

Current topic

PRASHAD Scheme and Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Often confused with

Spiritual Tourism in India

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on PRASHAD Scheme and Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on PRASHAD Scheme and Swadesh Darshan Scheme

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

Which of the following statements with regard to the persons with disabilities in India is/are correct ? 1. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, an ...

2026·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements 1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employmen...

2018·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

What is the purpose of ‘Vidyanjali Yojana’? 1. To enable the famous foreign educational institutions to open their campuses in India. 2. To increase the qua...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to the 'Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan', consider the following statements: 1. This scheme guarantees a minimum package of antenat...

2024·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

With reference to ‘Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion’, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. This init...

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Consider the following in respect of ‘National Career Service’: 1. National Career Service is an initiative of the Department of Personnel and Training, Gov...

2017·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did...

2018·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

‘Mission Indradhanush’ launched by the Government of India pertains to -

2016·Social Issues & Schemes
Solve

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