{"id":6338,"date":"2026-03-10T18:35:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T18:35:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thefrontpage24.com\/?p=6338"},"modified":"2026-03-10T18:35:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T18:35:34","slug":"chhattisgarh-assembly-passes-%e2%82%b9492-crore-grant-demands-for-tourism-culture-and-religious-departments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thefrontpage24.com\/?p=6338","title":{"rendered":"Chhattisgarh Assembly passes \u20b9492-crore grant demands for tourism, culture and religious departments"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tourism budget rises by 55 per cent; new schemes, heritage projects and religious tourism initiatives announced to boost infrastructure, culture and employment<\/em><\/h4>\n

TFP Bureau, Raipur, March 10, 2026: The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed grant demands worth more than \u20b9492.20 crore for the financial year 2026\u201327 for the departments of Tourism, Culture, Archaeology, and Religious Trusts and Endowments headed by Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal.<\/p>\n

After detailed discussion on the departmental budget presented in the House, the Assembly approved allocations including \u20b9344 crore for the Tourism Department, \u20b998.20 crore for the Culture and Archaeology Department, and \u20b950 crore for the Religious Trusts and Endowments Department.<\/p>\n

Presenting the budget proposals, Minister Agrawal said Chhattisgarh is known for its rich cultural traditions, natural tourist destinations and religious heritage. He said the state government is committed to developing these sectors in a coordinated manner so that Chhattisgarh can emerge as one of the leading tourism and cultural destinations in the country.<\/p>\n

He stated that the government has prioritised strengthening tourism infrastructure, preserving cultural heritage and promoting religious sites. The Tourism Department\u2019s budget for 2026\u201327 has been increased by about 55 per cent compared to the previous financial year, reflecting the government\u2019s focus on developing tourism as a major driver of economic growth and employment generation.<\/p>\n

Tourism department<\/p>\n

The minister informed the House that a total provision of \u20b9344 crore has been made for the Tourism Department in the upcoming financial year. Among the key initiatives is the Chief Minister\u2019s Tourism Development Mission, for which \u20b9100 crore has been allocated to develop major tourist destinations, tourism circuits and visitor facilities across the state.<\/p>\n

Under this mission, funds will be used for strengthening infrastructure at tourist locations, improving sanitation, providing drinking water facilities, enhancing connectivity, and developing branding and promotional activities to attract more visitors.<\/p>\n

Agrawal said religious tourism has been receiving special attention in the state. Under the Shri Ramlala Darshan Scheme, more than 44,000 devotees have already been provided free pilgrimage facilities through 52 special trains. A budget provision of \u20b936 crore has been made for this scheme in the current financial year to enable more devotees to visit Ayodhya and seek the blessings of Lord Ram.<\/p>\n

To further promote religious tourism within the state, the government has introduced the Chhattisgarh Aastha Path, also known as the Shaktipeeth Tour Scheme. The scheme aims to connect major Shaktipeeth temples in the state and develop them as an integrated pilgrimage circuit. A provision of \u20b95 crore has been made for this initiative.<\/p>\n

Another major project is the Shaktipeeth Development Project, under which five major Shaktipeeths in Chhattisgarh will be developed and connected on the lines of the Char Dham Project in Uttarakhand. A budget allocation of \u20b95 crore has been made for this purpose.<\/p>\n

The minister said adventure tourism and water tourism are also being promoted in the state. A provision of \u20b95 crore has been made for the development of water sports and adventure tourism activities at reservoirs, waterfalls and other natural locations.<\/p>\n

The budget also includes \u20b9100 crore under the grant head for tourism development works. These include the development of the Bhoramdev Corridor, the establishment of a tourist resort and skill development centre at Mayali near Madheshwar Hill in Jashpur district, and tourism development works at the Kailash Caves in Bagicha.<\/p>\n

He added that the state government is constructing the Chitrotpala Film City and Convention Centre in Naya Raipur, which will serve as a hub for film production, cultural events and conventions.<\/p>\n

Tourism infrastructure in tribal regions is also being strengthened through projects such as the Bastar Tourism Circuit and Jashpur Tourism Circuit. These initiatives aim to highlight the historical, religious and natural attractions of these regions while creating livelihood opportunities for local communities.<\/p>\n

In addition, the Tourism Promotion Grant has been increased from \u20b95 crore to \u20b910 crore. Through this provision, homestay facilities will be developed and incentives provided to tourists visiting Bastar, Surguja and other potential tourist destinations. The scheme is expected to encourage private investment and create employment opportunities for local residents.<\/p>\n

Sirpur, an ancient historical and Buddhist heritage site in the state, will be developed under the Sirpur Integrated Development Plan. A budget provision of \u20b910 crore has been made to develop Sirpur as an internationally recognised heritage tourism destination.<\/p>\n

The government has also introduced the Chief Minister\u2019s Public Tourism Promotion Scheme. Under this scheme, residents of Chhattisgarh will receive up to 75 per cent subsidy through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for visiting tourist destinations within the state. A provision of \u20b93 crore has been made for this scheme.<\/p>\n

In the first phase, the tourism circuit will include routes from Raipur to Jagdalpur and Barabanki, while a Ranwapara\u2013Sirpur tour package is also being prepared to promote cultural and heritage tourism.<\/p>\n

The budget also includes \u20b94 crore for the Indian Institute of Hotel Management in Naya Raipur, \u20b95 lakh for the State Tourism Award, and \u20b98.50 crore for fairs, festivals and exhibition grants to promote and brand Chhattisgarh tourism.<\/p>\n

The Tourism Department plans to organise roadshows and business meetings in ten major cities across the country to connect with tour operators, travel agents and other tourism stakeholders in order to attract more visitors to the state.<\/p>\n

Culture and archaeology department<\/p>\n

Minister Agrawal said a budget provision of \u20b998.20 crore has been made for the Department of Culture and Archaeology in 2026\u201327. The department is implementing several initiatives to preserve the rich folk traditions, tribal heritage and historical legacy of Chhattisgarh.<\/p>\n

The government is working towards establishing major cultural institutions including a State Anthropological Museum, a Chhattisgarh History Museum and an Archives to preserve historical records and cultural artefacts for future generations.<\/p>\n

The minister highlighted the success of Bastar Pandum 2026, a grand cultural festival held in February this year. The festival was inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu and concluded in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.<\/p>\n

The event was organised in three phases across the Bastar division, involving panchayats and urban bodies. More than 54,000 participants took part in competitions across 12 disciplines representing various tribal and folk art forms.<\/p>\n

Agrawal noted that Bastar Pandum 2025 had been included in the Golden Book of World Records, bringing national recognition to the state\u2019s cultural initiatives.<\/p>\n

The government has increased budgetary allocations for promoting artists, organising cultural events and preserving traditional art forms. A provision of \u20b92.70 crore has been made for the construction of the Chhattisgarh History Museum, Archives and Bharat Bhavan at the Purkhauti Muktangan Museum campus in Uparwara, Nava Raipur. A detailed project report has been prepared for the project with an estimated expenditure of about \u20b948 crore.<\/p>\n

A State Human Museum will also be established to showcase the evolution of human civilisation, cultural traditions and the lifestyles, customs, food habits, clothing and social practices of the various tribal communities of Chhattisgarh.<\/p>\n

The budget includes \u20b92 crore for the third and fourth phases of programmes commemorating the 150th anniversary of India\u2019s national song, Vande Mataram.<\/p>\n

In a significant move to support artists facing financial difficulties, the monthly financial assistance for renowned writers and artists has been increased from \u20b92,000 to \u20b95,000. A budget provision of \u20b91.5 crore has been made for this assistance programme.<\/p>\n

Under the Chief Minister\u2019s Folk Artist Incentive Scheme, \u20b93 crore has been allocated to encourage practitioners of folk arts, dance, music, folk theatre and traditional crafts in the state.<\/p>\n

Financial assistance will also be provided to non-governmental cultural organisations, with \u20b95.75 crore allocated for grants in 2026\u201327. The budget also includes an increase of \u20b92.2 crore for the Tribal and Folk Arts Academy functioning under the Chhattisgarh Culture Council.<\/p>\n

Other allocations include \u20b945 lakh for research surveys, seminars and publication of manuscripts, \u20b91.68 crore for creating replicas of ancient artefacts, \u20b94.6 crore for conservation of ancient heritage sites, \u20b97.8 crore for development of the Purkhauti Muktangan Museum, \u20b91.2 crore for excavation and conservation of archaeological sites, and \u20b97.5 crore for research seminars and exhibitions.<\/p>\n

Religious trusts and endowments department<\/p>\n

The Religious Trusts and Endowments Department has been allocated \u20b950 crore in the 2026\u201327 budget. These funds will be used for renovation and development of temples and religious sites, construction of dharamshalas and improvement of facilities for devotees visiting pilgrimage centres.<\/p>\n

Agrawal said the government will also provide support for the organisation of major religious fairs and festivals in the state, including Rajim Kumbh, Girodpuri Mela, Bastar Dussehra, Jashpur Dussehra and the Chaitra and Kwar Navratri fairs in Dongargarh.<\/p>\n

Financial assistance will continue to be provided to pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Sindhu Darshan Yatra so that more devotees from Chhattisgarh can participate in these sacred journeys.<\/p>\n

The minister said tourism, culture and religious faith form an integral part of Chhattisgarh\u2019s identity. He added that the comprehensive development of these sectors will not only enhance the state\u2019s national and international recognition but will also create employment opportunities, promote local industries and strengthen the state\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tourism budget rises by 55 per cent; new schemes, heritage projects and religious tourism initiatives announced to boost infrastructure, culture and employment<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[116,118,117],"tags":[788],"class_list":["post-6338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-breaking-news","category-chhattishgarh","category-state","tag-cg-vidhansabha-session"],"yoast_head":"\nChhattisgarh Assembly passes \u20b9492-crore grant demands for tourism, culture and religious departments - thefrontpage24.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thefrontpage24.com\/?p=6338\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chhattisgarh Assembly passes \u20b9492-crore grant demands for tourism, culture and religious departments - 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