Khanna highlights specific allocations, including Rs 14.68 crore for the establishment of the Nishad Raj Guha Cultural Centre in Shringverpur, Rs 11.79 crore for a music college in Hariharpur (Azamgarh district), and an additional Rs 10.53 crore for the Maharishi Valmiki Cultural Centre in Chitrakoot.
Moreover, the Finance Minister reveals tourism statistics, stating that Uttar Pradesh welcomed over 37.9 crore tourists from January to October 2023. Among them, 37.77 crore were Indian tourists, and 13.43 lakh were foreign tourists. Khanna mentions the successful organization of “Deepotsav” in Ayodhya, where a Guinness World Record was set by lighting 22 lakh 23 thousand lamps at Ram Ki Pauri.
The state continues to focus on tourism development and beautification projects in key locations such as Ayodhya, Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, Vindhyachal, Prayagraj, Naimisharanya, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Bateshwar Dham, Garhmukteshwar, Shuktirtha Dham, Maa Shakumbhari Devi, Sarnath, and others.
Under the ‘Chief Minister Tourism Development Partnership Scheme,’ there is a strategic plan to enhance one tourist destination in each assembly constituency of Uttar Pradesh. Khanna asserts that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, efforts are underway to develop cultural heritage sites.
The Finance Minister acknowledges the increased number of devotees following the expansion and beautification of the route from Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the Ganges River. In anticipation of a rise in tourists and devotees visiting the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya district, infrastructure development projects, including widening and beautification of access roads, are in progress at six locations.In a holistic approach, the Uttar Pradesh government’s budget reflects its commitment to cultural development and tourism enhancement, aligning with the vision of promoting the state’s rich heritage.
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