The Union Budget 2025 also prioritises medical tourism, to strengthen India’s position as a global healthcare destination. The government will partner with the private sector to enhance this area
Published Feb 01, 2025 | 7:09 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 01, 2025 | 7:09 PM
The 2025-26 Union Budget has a push for Buddhist Tourism
On 1 February 2025, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha, outlining key allocations and initiatives aimed at boosting India’s tourism sector. With a total allocation of ₹2,541.06 Crore for the Tourism Ministry, the government has affirmed its commitment to developing tourism.
A major highlight was the focus on Buddhist tourism through the development of key pilgrimage sites. This initiative aligns with the government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which aims to develop thematic tourist circuits across India. The emphasis on Buddhist tourism is also a continuation of the July 2024 budget’s focus on places of spiritual and religious significance.
Furthermore, the government plans to develop the country’s top 50 tourist destinations in collaboration with state governments.
In the 2024 July Full Budget, Sitharaman announced that the government would develop the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya. Situated in Bihar, it is an important site in the Buddhist community. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a pilgrimage destination for the community.
Additionally, they announced the development of Rajgir, another location in Bihar significant to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
“Continuing with the emphasis on places of spiritual and religious significance in the July Budget, there will be a special focus on destinations related to the life and times of Lord Buddha,” Sitharaman announced.
The development of the Buddhist Tourist Circuit is actually in line with the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Union Government. The Swadesh Darshan Scheme, launched in 2014-15, is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at developing thematic tourist circuits across India. It focuses on integrated infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity, amenities, and sustainability in key tourism destinations.
In fact, there are 50 sanctioned projects and 300 sanctioned sub-projects under the scheme that the government targets to achieve this year.
Bihar played a crucial role in the formation of the NDA government in 2024, contributing significantly to the alliance’s overall seat tally. As a BJP ally, it has attracted numerous development projects since last year, with some calling this favouritism or appeasement.
“Top 50 tourist destination sites in the country will be developed in partnership with states through a challenge mode,” the Finance Minister announced.
In a significant move to enhance India’s tourism sector, state governments will be responsible for providing land to develop key infrastructure at major tourist destinations. This initiative aims to facilitate seamless connectivity and improve visitor experiences.
Also, these destinations’ hotels will be included in the Harmonized Master List (HML). This recognition grants hotels infrastructure status, enabling them to access priority lending, tax benefits, and investment incentives. The move is expected to attract private sector participation, boost foreign direct investment (FDI), and accelerate the development of world-class hospitality facilities.
This initiative aligns with programs like Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD, promoting sustainable tourism and economic growth.
The government has allocated ₹2,230 Crore for Tourism infrastructure this year. This includes ₹1,900 Crore for the Swadesh Darshan scheme and ₹240 Crore for the PRASHAD scheme.
In her budget speech, Sitharaman elaborated on what she termed, “Tourism for employment-led growth.” To achieve this, the government intends to take the following measures:
The Union Budget 2025 also prioritises medical tourism, to strengthen India’s position as a global healthcare destination. The government will partner with the private sector to enhance this area. Key measures include capacity building, alongside easier visa norms for international patients, ensuring seamless access to treatment.
To this effect the government has also allocated ₹35 Crore in assistance to institutes of hotel management, food craft travel management and catering, It has also allocated ₹25 Crore for capacity building among service providers.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
