The Uttar Pradesh government's fiscal year 2025 budget, presented on Monday, includes significant allocations for various cultural and developmental initiatives. Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna outlined the proposals, including a Rs 100 crore allocation for organizing Mahakumbh-2025 and funds for the establishment of an International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute in Ayodhya.
Khanna specified that the Mahakumbh-2025, a major cultural and spiritual event, would receive Rs 100 crore in support. Additionally, provisions were made for several cultural and educational centers, such as Rs 14.68 crore for the Nishad Raj Guha Cultural Centre in Shringverpur, Rs 11.79 crore for a music college in Hariharpur (Azamgarh district), and Rs 10.53 crore for the Maharishi Valmiki Cultural Centre in Chitrakoot.
An allocation of Rs 10 crore was proposed for the establishment of the International Ramayana and Vedic Research Institute in Ayodhya, showcasing the government's commitment to promoting cultural and scholarly pursuits.
Khanna highlighted the robust tourism sector in Uttar Pradesh, with over 37.9 crore tourists visiting the state from January to October 2023. The fiscal plan also emphasized ongoing tourism development and beautification efforts in key destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Chitrakoot, Lucknow, and others. The 'Chief Minister Tourism Development Partnership Scheme' aims to develop one tourist destination in each assembly constituency.
The Finance Minister underscored the government's dedication to preserving cultural heritage, emphasizing that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, efforts are underway to enhance and showcase cultural richness.
He acknowledged the success of the 'Deepotsav' event in Ayodhya, where a Guinness World Record was set by lighting 22 lakh 23 thousand lamps at Ram Ki Pauri. The ongoing expansion and beautification projects in key areas, such as the route from Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the Ganga river, and the development around the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, are geared towards accommodating the growing number of tourists and devotees.
In summary, the FY25 budget reflects the government's commitment to cultural preservation, tourism development, and the overall welfare of the state.
(With Agency Inputs)
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