MOT for Buddhist circuit development

The Ministry of Tourism (MOT) attempts to identify integrated tourism circuits in partnership with states, the private sector and other agencies based on India’s unique civilisation, heritage, and culture, including Buddhist Tourism.

The MOT has identified following circuits to be developed as Buddhist Circuits with the help of Central Government/State Government/Private stake holders:

MOT provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for tourism projects, including projects for Buddhist sites, based on the proposals received from State Governments/UT Administrations which are complete as per the Scheme Guidelines, priority and subject to availability of funds. A loan agreement for Japanese Yen 7331 million was signed in 2003 with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for Phase II of Ajanta Ellora Conservation and Tourism Development Project. Its validity has been extended till July 2014.

The Ministry of Tourism, GOI, DoTs of the Governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group) have entered into an agreement to cooperate in upgrading the quality of services and goods provided for tourists along the Buddhist Circuits in UP and Bihar. This information was given by the Minister of State for Tourism (I/C) K Chiranjeevi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.