Parli Vaijnath Development: Dhananjay Munde Seeks Inclusion in Centre's PRASHAD Scheme

New Delhi / Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: In a significant move aimed at transforming the spiritual and infrastructural landscape of the Marathwada region, Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde has formally approached the Central Government with a demand to include the holy town of Parli Vaijnath in the prestigious PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme.

Munde, who is also the Guardian Minister of the Beed district, met with Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in New Delhi on Tuesday. The high-profile meeting focused on the urgent need to upgrade facilities at Parli Vaijnath, home to one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, to match global standards of pilgrimage tourism.

The Case for Parli Vaijnath

Parli Vaijnath, nestled in the Beed district of Maharashtra, is a site of immense religious significance for Hindus across India. As the abode of the Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga, the town witnesses a footfall of millions of devotees annually, with numbers surging during the holy month of Shravan and the festival of Mahashivratri.

Despite its spiritual prominence, the town has faced challenges regarding modern infrastructure and pilgrim amenities. During his discussion with the Union Minister, Dhananjay Munde highlighted that while the state government has initiated several local development projects, a comprehensive overhaul is required to handle the growing influx of tourists.

"Parli Vaijnath is not just a center of faith for the people of Maharashtra but for the entire country. To ensure that devotees have a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience, we need to develop state-of-the-art infrastructure that aligns with the Centre's vision for heritage cities," Munde reportedly stated during the interaction.

Demands Placed Under the PRASHAD Scheme

The proposal submitted by Dhananjay Munde outlines a holistic development plan for the temple town. Key demands include:

• Pilgrim Facilitation Center (PFC): Construction of a modern complex to provide waiting areas, cloakrooms, and sanitation facilities for thousands of devotees.

• Queue Management System: Implementation of high-tech queue complexes to manage crowds effectively during peak seasons, ensuring safety and reducing waiting times.

• Infrastructure Upgradation: Improvement of approach roads, internal connectivity, and ample parking spaces to decongest the temple vicinity.

• Beautification and Lighting: Aesthetic enhancements of the temple precincts, including heritage lighting and sound-and-light shows to narrate the history of the Jyotirlinga.

• Basic Amenities: Provision of clean drinking water, medical aid centers, and eco-friendly waste management systems.

Munde emphasized that inclusion in the PRASHAD scheme would unlock central funds necessary to execute these large-scale projects, which are beyond the scope of local municipal budgets.

What is the PRASHAD Scheme?

The PRASHAD scheme, launched by the Ministry of Tourism in 2014-15, is a central sector scheme focused on the integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations. The primary objective is to create a complete religious tourism experience by developing infrastructure such as entry points (road, rail, and water transport), last-mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities, and eco-friendly modes of transport.

Several prominent sites in Maharashtra, including Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) and Grishneshwar (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), have already benefited from central assistance for development. Munde argued that Parli Vaijnath, being a peer Jyotirlinga site, deserves similar attention and funding to realize its full tourism potential.

Union Minister's Assurance

According to official sources, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat responded positively to the presentation made by Dhananjay Munde. Acknowledging the cultural and historical importance of Parli Vaijnath, Shekhawat assured that the Ministry of Tourism would examine the proposal on priority.

The Union Minister directed officials to evaluate the feasibility report and indicated that the Centre is committed to developing India's spiritual corridor. If approved, Parli Vaijnath will join the elite list of developed heritage cities, placing Beed district firmly on the national tourism map.

Impact on Marathwada’s Economy

The inclusion of Parli in the PRASHAD scheme is expected to have a multiplier effect on the local economy of the drought-prone Marathwada region. Enhanced tourism infrastructure typically leads to:

• Employment Generation: Construction projects and subsequent maintenance will create jobs for local youth.

• Boost to Local Businesses: Increased tourist stay duration will benefit hotels, restaurants, and local artisans selling religious paraphernalia.

• Regional Connectivity: The focus on connectivity under the scheme will likely improve road networks linking Parli to major cities like Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nanded, and Latur.

The move is seen as a strategic effort by Dhananjay Munde to deliver a major development project for his constituency, reinforcing his commitment to transforming Parli into a world-class pilgrimage destination.

Conclusion: With the proposal now in the hands of the Central Ministry, devotees and residents of Parli await a formal announcement. If the PRASHAD scheme is extended to Parli Vaijnath, it will not only restore the grandeur of this ancient temple town but also ensure that the divine experience of 'Darshan' is accompanied by comfort, safety, and modern convenience.