New Delhi, Feb. 1 -- To boost tourism in the North-Eastern region, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday proposed a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in several Purvodaya states during the Budget 2026-27.

While presenting the Budget, Sitharaman said, "I propose to launch a scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura. The scheme will cover the preservation of temples and monasteries."

She added that the initiative aims to highlight the North-East's rich spiritual heritage, stating, "Buddhist sites from the Northeast region... this scheme for the development of Buddhist Circuits in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and other NE states is a histori...