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Bihar likely to seek additional funds for infra work: Minister
Prasad said that the state government plans to popularise Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy at Champaran and how he got the title of Mahatma from Bihar.
Bihar tourism minister Narayan Prasad on Wednesday said the state has immense potential for tourism and the government is planning to avail additional benefits under the Centre’s Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) to develop the industry in Champaran and other areas.
The PRASHAD scheme was launched in the year 2014-15 with the objective of infrastructure development of identified pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
Speaking at the two-day HT tourism conclave here, Prasad said: “We will be availing the benefit of the PRASHAD scheme to highlight the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran district. In Bettiah in West Champaran, there are historical buildings of kings. We have a hospital and medical college named after Maharani Janki Kuwar. In the vicinity of the campus, we plan to start a light and sound show over the king’s palace. The project is ready and it should materialize soon once we get funds from the Centre under the Prasad scheme. This will be a great boost to tourism at a time we are looking to attract more tourists as the pandemic situation improves.”
Prasad said that the state government plans to popularise Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy at Champaran and how he got the title of Mahatma from Bihar.
Under the PRASHAD scheme, the state has received ₹650 crore so far for tourism purposes. While some of the funds have already been utilized, work is underway on a few projects.
“Around 650 crore was allocated in the previous budget. In the upcoming budget, we will be seeking further funds for improving tourism at Champaran and Valmiki Nagar... We also request UNESCO to invest in Bihar. They will receive all support from us,” he said.
