Lok Sabha Question No. 3865 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-24
Subject: Development of Buddhist Tourism in Boudh, Odisha
Ministry: TOURISM
Asked by: Shri Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3865

## ANSWERED ON 24.03.2025

## DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST TOURISM IN BOUDH, ODISHA

## 3865. SHRI SUKANTA KUMAR PANIGRAHI:

Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:

- (a) the details of the budget that has been allocated and utilized for the development  of  Buddhist  tourism  in  Boudh,  Odisha,  during  the  last five years and major projects and initiatives that have been undertaken  during  this  period  for  the  preservation,  promotion  and infrastructure development of Buddhist heritage sites in Boudh;
- (b) the  details  of  the  future  plans  that  have  been  formulated  for  the development of Buddhist tourism in Boudh during the next five years;
- (c) the details of the estimated budget and funding sources planned for the next five years to enhance Buddhist tourism in Boudh, including contributions  from  the  Central  and  State  Governments  as  well  as private sector participation; and
- (d) the details of the measures taken/being taken by the Government to integrate  Boudh  into  national  and  international  Buddhist  tourism circuits and to attract domestic and foreign tourists?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF TOURISM            (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)

(a) to (d): Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, is undertaken by the respective State Government/UT Administration. The  Ministry of  Tourism  complements  the  efforts  of States/UTs  by  developing  and  promoting  various  tourism  products  of  the country, including Budhist Tourism in Odisha through various schemes and initiatives.

The Ministry  of  Tourism  through  its  central  sector  schemes  of  'Swadesh Darshan (SD)', 'Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation  Drive  (PRASHAD)'  and  'Assistance  to  Central  Agencies  for Tourism  Infrastructure  Development'  complements  the  efforts  of  tourism infrastructure development in the country by extending financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations/ Central Agencies including the State of Odisha. Ministry of Tourism has not sanctioned any project for Boudh, Odisha. The proposals for projects at identified destinations are formulated  and conceptualised by  the  concerned  State  Governments/UT Administrations. Proposals  are  received  from  States/UTs  from  time  to  time  for  seeking financial  assistance  for  development  of  tourist  spots,  under  the  various schemes  of  the  Ministry  of  Tourism.  Reviewing  and  sanctioning  of  the projects  is  an  ongoing  process  and  is  done  as  per  procedures  and requirements stipulated in the scheme guidelines. The  Ministry  of  Tourism  undertakes  various  promotional  activities  in important  and  potential  tourist  generating  markets  to increase India's share of the global tourism market by showcasing India's tourism offerings including  Buddhist  tourism.  In  the  year  2024  the  ministry  participated  in international  exhibitions  such  as Pacific  Asia  Travel  Association  (PATA) Travel  Mart,  Bangkok, Tourism  Expo  Japan  (TEJ),  Tokyo,  Top  Resa, Paris,  Internationale  Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Asia, Singapore, World Travel Mart (WTM), London, FITUR, Madrid,  Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB), Berlin etc., showcasing various destinations and thematic products including  Buddhist  tourism  destinations.  During  participation in  all  such exhibitions  images  and  promotional  films  on  Buddhist  destinations  were showcased. Ministry of Tourism has revamped Incredible India digital portal which is a comprehensive digital repository of high-quality images, films, brochures, newsletters  etc.  and  also  highlights  promotional  material  related  to Buddhist tourist circuits and destinations.

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