During Budget 2024 presentation, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced initiatives for the development of temples in India. The government aims to restore Nalanda University to its former prominence. Moreover, the announcement was also made that there will be support for the Vishnupath Temple in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple Corridor. The latter will be developed based on the Kashi-Viswanath Corridor model.

The government will provide special support to develop Odisha into a major tourism hub, improving its infrastructure to attract more visitors.

Additionally, the Indian government is now focusing on a new pilgrimage tourism initiative in Bihar, inspired by the success of the Ram Mandir project. The plan is to develop a pilgrimage corridor that mirrors the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, which will link prominent spiritual sites including the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, the Vishnupad Temple, Rajgir. This development aims to improve infrastructure and support both Hindu and Jain pilgrimage traditions.

Nalanda University

In the year 2017, the construction of the new Nalanda University commenced. The campus was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 19, 2024. The original Nalanda University was a beacon of knowledge for centuries. The new campus stands as a tribute to this ancient institution’s rich legacy, bridging the past with the present.

Some interesting facts about the Indian budget:

•    The first budget after the independence of India was presented in the year 1947 by the then Finance Minister RK Shanmukham Chetty.
•    The shortest speech ever delivered in the history of Indian Budget was in 1977. Former FM delivered a speech during the interim budget which consisted of only 800 words. 
•    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered the longest Budget speech on February 1, 2020, which lasted for 2 hours and 40 minutes.