The Ministry of Tourism has identified Buddhist Circuit as one of the fifteen thematic circuits for development under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The Ministry has sanctioned 5 projects under this circuit for Rs.361.97 crore.
The details of projects for this scheme are as under:
| S.No. | State | Project Name | Amt. Sanctioned (Rs. in Crore) |
| 1. | Madhya Pradesh | Development of Buddhist Circuit in Sanchi-Satna-Rewa-Mandsaur-Dhar | 74.94 |
| 2. | Uttar Pradesh
|
Development of Buddhist Circuit in Srawasti, Kushinagar, & Kapilvastu | 99.97
|
| 3. | Bihar
|
Construction of Convention Centre adjacent to Maya Sarovar on the western side at Bodhgaya, Bihar | 98.73 |
| 4. | Gujarat
|
Development of Buddhist circuit: Junagadh- Gir-Somnath- Bharuch-Kutch- Bhavnagar- Rajkot- Mehsana | 35.99 |
| 5. | Andhra Pradesh
|
Development of Buddhist Circuit: Shalihundam- Thotlakonda- Bavikonda- Bojjanakonda- Amravati-Anupu | 52.34 |
| Total | 361.97 | ||
Important to state that the Swadesh Darshan Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme (100% funded by Government of India). Development of Craft Haat, Exhibition Gallery and Souvenir Shops are also an important part of this scheme. The schemes are likely to help preserve important religious and cultural mores and traditions while providing employment opportunities.
This information was given by K. J. Alphons, Union Minister of State for Tourism in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
