Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Shri Jaiveer Singh, welcomed the Union Budget 2025-26, describing it as a budget for the common people. He emphasized that the budget would accelerate the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative and provide significant relief to the middle class and salaried individuals. According to Singh, the budget takes decisive steps towards realizing the dreams of millions of Indians by fostering growth across various sectors while preserving the nation’s rich heritage.
Singh extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for announcing the development of 50 top tourist destinations in the country. He highlighted that a substantial number of these sites are located in Uttar Pradesh, which will positively impact the state’s economy and boost its tourism sector.
“Uttar Pradesh is one of the world’s most significant tourist attractions,” Singh stated. “Last year alone, around 650 million tourists visited the state. Iconic destinations like Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Prayagraj, Agra, Chitrakoot, and Kushinagar continue to attract both domestic and international tourists. The state government, with commendable support from the central government, is prioritizing the development of these sites and enhancing tourist facilities.”
Under the central government’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, destinations such as Naimisharanya, Prayagraj, and Mahoba have been selected for development. Funding has already been approved for Naimisharanya and Prayagraj, with Mahoba expected to receive approval soon. The Union Budget 2025-26 places special emphasis on the development of sites associated with Lord Buddha.
“We are confident that Uttar Pradesh’s tourism sector will reap significant benefits from this budget,” Singh added. “Lord Gautam Buddha chose Uttar Pradesh for his enlightenment, teachings, earthly descent, and Mahaparinirvana. The state is home to key Buddhist pilgrimage sites like Kushinagar, Sankisa, Shravasti, Sarnath, Kapilavastu, and Kaushambi. These locations are sacred to Buddhist followers worldwide, and Uttar Pradesh Tourism is committed to developing them as priority projects.”
In addition to Buddhist sites, renowned destinations such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, and Agra are expected to feature prominently among the 50 best tourist destinations, further solidifying Uttar Pradesh’s position as a premier travel destination in India and beyond.
