Union Budget 2024: Centre will assist in making Odisha an ultimate tourism destination, FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday announced Centre’s commitment in making Odisha into an ultimate tourism destination in the country.

While presenting the Union Budget 2024, the Finance Minister highlighted that tourism has always been a part of our civilization.

“The government’s efforts to position India as a global tourist designation will also create jobs, stimulate investments and unlock economic opportunities for other sectors,” said Sitharaman.

The Finance Minister further said that Odisha’s scenic beauty, temples, monuments, craftsmanship, natural landscape, wildlife sanctuaries, and pristine beaches make it an ultimate tourism destination.

“The Centre will provide assistance for their development in Odisha as well,” said Sitharaman.

In her budget speech, Finance Minister announced that a plan ‘Purvodaya’ will be formulated for the all round development of the eastern region of the country, covering Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh.

“The states in eastern part of the country are rich in endowments and have strong cultural traditions. We will formulate a plan Purvodaya for the all round development of the eastern region of the country,”said Sitharaman.

In her Budget speech, Sitharaman further informed that Vishnupath temple at Gaya, and Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya are of immense spiritual importance. 

“We will develop corridors there on the model of the successful Kashi Vishwanath corridor to make them a world-class tourist destination,” she said.

LIVE BUDGET 2024 | Budget 2024 LIVE updates: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Presents Union Budget in Parliament

A comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir and Nalanda, in Bihar will be pursued, she added.