New Delhi: On Sunday, the government unveiled plans for an 'East Coast Industrial Corridor' featuring a strategically located hub in Durgapur, West Bengal, along with the establishment of five tourism hotspots across the 'Purvodaya' states.
During the presentation of the Union Budget for 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also introduced a new initiative aimed at developing Buddhist circuits in six northeastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura.
In her address, she made numerous announcements covering various sectors such as agriculture, finance, health, employment, industry, and tourism.
"I propose the establishment of an East Coast Industrial Corridor with a well-connected node at Durgapur, the creation of five tourism destinations in five Purvodaya states, and the provision of 4,000 e-buses," stated Sitharaman.
Celebrating 100 days of the Modi government 3.0, it was previously announced in September 2024 that several initiatives have been launched under the Viksit Bharat 2024 vision to lay a robust foundation for a thriving India.
These initiatives include the Purvodaya program, which aims for comprehensive development in the eastern region of India, covering Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
The focus is on enhancing human resources, improving infrastructure, and creating economic opportunities to transform the region into a vital contributor to a developed India.
In her Budget address, Sitharaman also highlighted the significance of Buddhist sites in the northeastern region, describing it as a "civilisational confluence" of Theravada and Mahayana or Vajrayana Buddhist traditions.
"I propose to initiate a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. This scheme will encompass the preservation of temples and monasteries, the establishment of pilgrimage interpretation centres, and the provision of amenities for pilgrims," she added.
Many northeastern states boast historic monasteries and other significant Buddhist sites.
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