Nagpur: Union Minister of State for Tourism Dr Mahesh Sharma on Wednesday announced Rs 100 crore assistance for the proposed Nagpur Buddhist Circuit linking Deekshabhoomi, Dragon Palace and Chicholi tourist spots. “The fund will be given under Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme,” Dr Sharma said.
A meeting in connection with Buddhist Circuit was held at Parivahan Bhavan and was presided over by Union Surface Transport and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari. Union Minister of State for Tourism Dr Mahesh Sharma, Maharashtra Tourism Minister Jaikumar Rawal, Nagpur Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, former Minister Sulekha Kumbhare and officials of Central and State Government attended the meeting.
India is a land of Buddha but other nations like Japan and Sri Lanka boast a lot about spending on this. The Government of India has sanctioned Rs 100 crores for developing Nagpur Buddha circuit under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in Vidarbha,” Dr Sharma said.
The Buddhist Circuit is being constructed to link Nagpur’s Deekshabhoomi which is revered by millions of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar who embraced Buddhism at the historic place, Kamptee’s Dragon Palace and Chicholi which has a museum of Dr Ambedkar’s articles. The State Government is extending assistance to the Buddhist Circuit and the Central Government should also provide funds for the project was the demand at the meeting. Accepting the demand, Dr Sharma announced Rs 100 crore fund from Central Government under Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
