Question : DEVELOPMENT OF BODH GAYA



(a) whether any scheme for the development of international tourism spot at Bodh Gaya was received from the local area Member of Parliament;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(c) the steps taken to develop the spot?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CULTURE (SHRI ANANTHKUMAR)

(a): Yes, Sir. A project report prepared by Shree Vishnupad Prabandha-karini Samiti, Gaya for bringing Gaya on international map was received from the Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Gaya.

(b): As development of tourist/pilgrim places is primarily undertaken by State Governments/UT Administrations, the letter of the Member of Parliament along-with the project report was sent to Government of Bihar for necessary action.

(c): The details of Central financial assistance extended for tourism projects of Bodh Gaya during the last three years are as under:-

S.No.	Year	Name of project	AmountSanctioned	AmountReleased
1. 1998-99 Illumination of Mahabodhi Temple 24.00 12.00

2. - do - Buddha Mahotsav 13.56 13.56

3. 2000-2001 Buddha Mahotsav 7.50 3.75



A major project for development of infrastructure along Buddhist Circuits in Bihar including Bodh Gaya was completed at a cost of Rs.113.00 crores in December, 1998 with loan from Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund of Japan.