Question : Launch of Buddhist Circuit

(a) whether the Government is formulating any plan for development of Buddhist circuits and heritage tourist places and cities related to Lord Buddha under Swadesh Darshan Yojana;
(b) if so, the State-wise details of the Buddhist sites and the steps taken by the Government for the development and promotion of these sites along with the funds/grant allocated by the Government in this regard during the last three years, State-wise;
(c) whether Buddhist circuit development project is under consideration of the Government and the criteria for selecting tourist centres and sites;
(d) whether famous Buddhist sites like Sanchi Stupa, Sanchi Nagri and places in district Kaushambi of Uttar Pradesh have been included in the Buddhist circuit and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (e): Buddhist Circuit has been identified as one of the thirteen thematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The State-wise details of projects sanctioned under the Buddhist Circuit Theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme since its launch in 2014-15 are as under:
<pre> (Rs. in crore)
Sl. No. State/UT Name of the Project/Year of sanction Amt. Sanctioned
1. Bihar Construction of Cultural Centre adjacent to Maya Sarovar on the western side at Bodhgaya in Bihar (2014-15). 33.17
2. Madhya Pradesh Development of Buddhist Circuit in Sanchi-Satna-Rewa-Mandsaur-Dhar in Madhya Pradesh (2016-17). 74.94
3. Uttar Pradesh Development of Buddhist Circuit – Sravasti, Kushinagar & Kapilvastu in Uttar Pradesh (2016-17). 99.97

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All places associated with the Buddhist heritage in the country are covered under Buddhist Circuit Theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

The projects under the scheme are identified for development in consultation with the State Governments/UT Administrations and are sanctioned subject to availability of funds, submission of suitable detailed project reports, adherence to scheme guidelines and utilization of funds released earlier.

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