(a) whether the Government has formulated any policy for the
development of Buddhist tourism in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the funds sanctioned for the purpose
during the last three years and the current year, State-wise
including Bihar; and
(c) the steps taken so far by the Government to implement the
policy of promoting Buddhist tourism in the country?
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM(SHRI SUBODH KANT SAHAI)
(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.+270
ANSWERED ON 19.08.2011 REGARDING BUDDHIST TOURISM.
(a) & (b): National Tourism Policy, 2002 formulated by Ministry of
Tourism also attempts to create and develop integrated tourism
circuits based on India’s unique civilization, heritage, and culture
including Buddhist Tourism in partnership with states, private sector
and other agencies.
Development, promotion and monitoring of tourist sites are
primarily undertaken by the State Governments/Union Territory
Administrations. Ministry of Tourism, however, provides financial
assistance for tourism projects including projects for Buddhist sites,
on the basis of proposals received from them subject to availability of
funds and inter-se priority. The State-wise details of projects
sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism at various tourist sites including
Buddhist sites, during the last three years are at Annexure. Sanctioned
projects also include Mega Tourism Circuits Bodhgaya-Rajgir-Nalanda
in Bihar at a cost of Rs.19.22 crore and Varanasi-Sarnath-Ramnagar in
Uttar Pradesh at a cost of Rs.22.02 crore.
(c): The Ministry of Tourism also undertakes promotional activities
in domestic and international markets for promotion of the varied
tourism attractions of the country including Buddhist
pilgrimage/heritage sites, destinations and circuits.