New Delhi: To boost tourism and regional development, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, announced substantial support for Odisha and other key regions in her Union Budget 2024-25 speech. Highlighting the untapped potential of Odisha’s scenic beauty, historic temples, monuments, craftsmanship, wildlife sanctuaries, natural landscapes, and pristine beaches, the Finance Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to transforming it into an ultimate tourism destination.
“Our Government will provide assistance to Odisha for its development,” declared Sitharaman. She underlined that this initiative is part of a broader plan, Purvodaya, aimed at fostering all-round development in the eastern region of the country, including Odisha.
The Finance Minister remarked, “The people have given a unique opportunity to our Government to take the country on the path of strong development and all-round prosperity.” She emphasized that tourism has always been integral to India’s civilization and that positioning India as a global tourist destination will create jobs, stimulate investments, and unlock economic opportunities across various sectors.
Addressing the significance of spiritual tourism, Sitharaman announced the comprehensive development of the Vishnupad Temple Corridor and Mahabodhi Temple Corridor in Bihar, modelled after the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor. These projects aim to transform these sites into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations, recognizing their immense spiritual importance.
The Union Minister also highlighted the religious significance of Rajgir, with its historical ties to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. She detailed plans for the comprehensive development of Rajgir, including the ancient 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrata temple and the sacred Saptharishi hot springs.
Furthermore, Sitharaman announced plans to support the development of Nalanda as a tourist center and to revive Nalanda University to its former glory, recognizing its historical and educational importance.
These initiatives reflect the government’s dedication to leveraging India’s rich cultural and natural heritage to promote tourism, stimulate regional economies, and preserve historical sites. The comprehensive development of these key locations is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, contributing to India’s goal of becoming a global tourism hub.