Union Budget 2024-25: Boosting Tourism and Cultural Heritage Development

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, presented the Union Budget 2024-25, emphasizing the government’s commitment to robust development and comprehensive prosperity. Highlighting the unique opportunity provided by the people to guide the nation towards progress, she laid out key initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s tourism sector.

“Tourism has always been a part of our civilization,” stated Smt. Sitharaman during her Budget speech. “Our efforts in positioning India as a global tourist destination will also create jobs, stimulate investments, and unlock economic opportunities for other sectors.”

In a significant announcement, the Finance Minister revealed plans for the comprehensive development of the Vishnupad Temple Corridor and Mahabodhi Temple Corridor in Bihar. These sites, of immense spiritual significance, will be transformed into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations, modeled after the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor. “These developments will enhance the spiritual and cultural experience for visitors, bringing global attention to our heritage,” she remarked.

Rajgir, another site of profound religious importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, will also see significant development. Smt. Sitharaman highlighted the ancient 20th Tirthankara Munisuvrata temple and the sacred Saptharishi hotsprings in the area. “A comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir will be undertaken,” she confirmed, ensuring the preservation and promotion of its religious and historical significance.

The Finance Minister also announced support for the development of Nalanda as a tourist center, with plans to revive Nalanda University to its historical prominence. This initiative aims to celebrate Nalanda’s rich academic heritage and attract scholars and tourists from around the world.

Turning attention to Odisha, Smt. Sitharaman acknowledged the state’s unparalleled scenic beauty, temples, monuments, craftsmanship, wildlife sanctuaries, natural landscapes, and pristine beaches. “Our Government will provide assistance for their development,” she stated, positioning Odisha as an ultimate tourism destination.

These initiatives are part of the broader strategy to harness India’s rich cultural and natural heritage, driving economic growth through tourism while preserving and promoting the nation’s historical and spiritual legacy.