Union Budget 2024: FM Sitharaman unveils Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temple corridors inspired by Kashi Vishwanath model
Building on her previous stance on spiritual tourism from the interim budget, Sitharaman proposed supporting the development of corridors at Vishnupad Temple and Mahabodhi Temple, following the successful model of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her seventh consecutive Budget on Tuesday, aiming to pave the way for a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.
While presenting the 2024 Union Budget on July 23, FM Sitharaman announced that the government will launch comprehensive development programs for the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, Bihar.
Announcement on spiritual tourism
Building on her previous stance on spiritual tourism from the interim budget, Sitharaman proposed supporting the development of corridors at Vishnupad Temple and Mahabodhi Temple, following the successful model of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
¡°Tourism has always been a part of our civilisation. Our efforts in positioning India as a global tourist destination will also create jobs, stimulate investments and unlock economic opportunities for other sectors,¡± she said.
IANS
¡°Vishnupad temple at Gaya, and Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya, are of immense spiritual importance. Comprehensive development of Vishnupad temple corridor and Mahabodhi temple corridor will be supported modelled on the successful Kashi Vishwanath corridor to make them a world-class pilgrim and tourist destination,¡± Ms Sitharaman said adding that these measures will be taken up in addition to the ones declared in the interim budget.
¡°Rajgir holds immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir will be undertaken. Our government will support the development of Nalanda as a tourist centre besides reviving Nalanda University to its glorious stature,¡± the Finance Minister added.
The Vishnupad Temple, an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is situated on the banks of the Phalgu River in Gaya. In nearby Bodh Gaya, the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a significant landmark.
TIL
Additionally, the government will back the development of Nalanda in Bihar as a tourist center. Sitharaman also announced an economic policy framework to usher in next-generation reforms aimed at boosting economic growth. The government will provide assistance to Odisha for tourism development, as stated by the Finance Minister in the Lok Sabha.
2024 Interim budget
In her interim budget in February, Sitharaman highlighted the potential of tourism, particularly spiritual tourism, to create local entrepreneurship opportunities. She remarked, ¡°The success of organizing G20 meetings in sixty places presented the diversity of India to a global audience. Our economic strength has made the country an attractive destination for business and conference tourism.¡±
PTI
Announcing new measures for Odisha, she highlighted that the government will support the state's tourism sector, emphasizing its scenic beauty, temples, craftsmanship, natural landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries, and pristine beaches.
In the interim budget presented earlier this year, the Union Tourism Ministry's total allocation increased slightly to ?2,449 crore for 2024-25, up from ?2,400 crore in 2023-24. The revised estimate for the year 2023-24 is ?1,692 crore.
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