New Delhi: Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Women & Child Development, Smriti Irani laid the foundation stone for 38 projects under the Buddhist Development Plan via a virtual platform. The projects, approved with an estimated cost of Rs. 225 crore, fall under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram and will be implemented in the states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Minister Smriti Irani announced a financial assistance of Rs. 30 Crores for strengthening the ‘Centre for Advanced Studies in Buddhist Studies of the University of Delhi.’ The assistance aims at fostering academic collaboration, promoting research, preserving language, translating transcripts, and skill upgrading for the Buddhist population.
Under the concept of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ the Minister emphasized the collaboration of institutes like the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS), the Centre for Advanced Studies in Buddhist Studies of the University of Delhi, and other prominent institutes for integrated development. The objective is to conserve Buddhist cultural heritage, knowledge, and provide modern education.
The virtual event, conducted in New Delhi, was simultaneously held in the respective states and the Union Territory. Chief Minister Prem Sing Tamang of Sikkim, Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State of Minority Affairs John Barla, and other dignitaries graced the occasion in their respective locations.
The Buddhist Development Plan (BDP) is a step towards the Indian government’s commitment to the development of minorities, focusing on Buddhist communities in far-flung border areas. Covering Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and the Union Territory of Ladakh, the program aims to secularize traditional theological education and provide modern education, professional/vocational courses, and skill development for the young Buddhist population.
The program converges various ongoing schemes of the Ministry, including PMJVK, PM-Vikas, and scholarships, as well as programs and schemes administered by NMDFC and other relevant ministries. It also includes awareness campaigns to ensure accessibility for Buddhist communities in the specified states. The launch of these projects underscores the government’s commitment to holistic development and inclusivity.