Sikkim – The Sikkim government has hailed the Union Budget’s renewed emphasis on developing Buddhist tourism circuits, calling it a step that will strengthen heritage-led growth in the North-East while creating new livelihood opportunities.
Officials in Gangtok said the announcement of a dedicated scheme for Buddhist circuits reflects the Centre’s continued commitment to cultural preservation alongside economic development. The initiative is expected to support restoration of monasteries, improve access to pilgrimage destinations, and upgrade visitor facilities in states such as Sikkim.
Sikkim’s leadership underscored that the region has historically been a meeting point for Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions. The fresh budgetary focus, they noted, acknowledges this civilisational heritage while linking it to sustainable tourism.
Improved road and transport connectivity to remote monasteries could help extend tourism beyond established hubs, officials explained. This expansion is likely to generate employment in hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and other tourism-linked services, particularly in rural areas.
For Sikkim, where monasteries and sacred sites form the cultural backbone of the state, the scheme is seen as especially significant. Authorities stressed that the Budget places equal weight on infrastructure development and heritage protection, ensuring that growth does not come at the cost of cultural identity.
The announcement follows recent consultations between Sikkim’s leadership and the Union Finance Ministry on long-term priorities in infrastructure and tourism. The Centre, officials added, reaffirmed its commitment to sustained engagement with northeastern states to promote balanced and inclusive growth.
