New Delhi: The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Budget 2026 presentation, announced several initiatives focusing on employment, education, agriculture, and the development of small towns. A significant emphasis was laid on boosting tourism as a means to generate jobs across the country.
The government unveiled plans to develop the North-Eastern region’s Buddhist sites and establish five new tourist destinations. A comprehensive skill development programme centred around tourism will be launched to promote employment-oriented growth.
The Finance Minister stated, “There is a cultural confluence in the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions. I propose a plan to develop Buddhist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.”
This initiative will include the conservation of temples and monasteries, establishment of pilgrimage interpretation centres, improved connectivity, and enhanced facilities for pilgrims. Additionally, an integrated eastern coastal industrial corridor with a well-organised centre in Durgapur will be developed. The plan also includes the development of tourism sites in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, along with the introduction of 4,000 electric buses in the eastern states.
Beyond temple and monastery development, the budget highlights tourism as a key driver for employment. The top 50 tourist destinations in the country will be developed in collaboration with state governments through a challenge mode approach. Infrastructure for hotels at pilgrimage and tourist sites will be included under the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM). To support employment growth, loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana will be offered for homestay businesses.
A special focus will be placed on intensive skill development for youth and the development of spiritual and religious sites, especially those linked to the life of Lord Buddha.
To encourage tourism, visa fee exemptions for certain tourist groups and the introduction of e-visa facilities have also been proposed.
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