Question : Buddha Circuit

(a) whether the Government proposes to connect Bodhgaya, Vaishali, Nalanda and Rajgir with Buddha circuit and to develop them as tourist spots; and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to collaborate with neighbouring countries to encourage tourism to Buddhist sites in India to attract more tourists; and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the number of tourists increased due to launch of Buddhist Circuit;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the revenue and employment avenues likely to be generated?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)

(a): The Ministry of Tourism has launched the Swadesh Darshan scheme in 2014-15 with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits. The Buddhist Circuit has been identified as one of the thirteen thematic circuits for development under the scheme. All places associated with Buddhist Heritage in the country are covered under this theme.

The Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned a project ‘Construction of Cultural Centre adjacent to Maya Sarovar on the western side at Bodhgaya, Bihar’ for Rs.33.17 crore in the year 2014-15 under the Buddhist Circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan scheme.

(b): The Ministry of Tourism is collaborating with neighbouring countries for linking of Buddhist Circuit.

During the 5th meeting of the SAARC Working Group on tourism held in New Delhi in October 2015 the promotion of joint circuits on common themes including the Buddhist circuit was discussed.

During the Joint Working Group meeting on tourism cooperation held between India and Sri Lanka in April 2015 issue of joint promotion of Buddhist Circuit in both countries was discussed.

(c) to (e): No assessment has been made by the Ministry of Tourism on the impact of launch of Buddhist Circuit.


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