Tag Archives: Nirmala Sitharamann

Nirmala Sitharamann, Finance Minister, GoI said that medical tourism and ‘heal in India’ to be promoted in partnership with the private sector. In a bid to boost tourism, she revealed plans to promote medical tourism in partnership with the private sector and place special emphasis on destinations linked to the life and times of Lord Buddha. PM Gati Shakti data will be made accessible to the private sector, and the development of the top 50 tourist destinations will be carried out in partnership with state governments while adding that mudra loans to be provided to homestays. Presenting the Budget for 2025-26, Sitharaman also mentioned that hotels will also be included in the harmonised scheme for enhanced tourism infrastructure and financial support would be provided for the Western Kosi Canal project, which will benefit 50,000 hectares in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar.

Announcing the tourism sector, Nirmala Sitharamann, Finance Minister, GoI said that an infusion of ₹20,000 crore to increase tourism-led employment is going to help several states that house top tourist locations build infrastructure and boost connectivity. The onus has been put on states to acquire land to build hotels and other required facilities. Also, a continued focus to promote India as key destination on the world map for on spiritual tourism gets a boost – especially projecting it as a birthplace of Lord Ram through the Ramayana circuit, and as the birthplace of Buddha through the Buddhist circuit, roping in south east Asian tourist footfall. They are also likely to get visa fee waivers, so will the medical tourism segment, with a focus on Heal in India, she added.