Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026-27 on Sunday, marking a historic shift as the budget was tabled on a holiday. During her speech, she announced significant initiatives aimed at boosting heritage tourism and overhauling the sports sector in India. The government plans to transform ancient history into a modern experience and turn the country into a sporting superpower.
Which sites are selected for development?
The government has proposed to develop 15 archaeological sites into vibrant and experiential cultural destinations. The list of identified sites includes Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur, and Leh Palace. The plan involves building better infrastructure like curated walkways and interpretation centers for visitors.
To support this, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will open excavated landscapes to the public through structured tours. A National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will also be established to document these cultural and spiritual sites. Additionally, a pilot scheme will be launched to upskill 10,000 tourist guides in collaboration with an Indian Institute of Management (IIM).
What is the new Khelo India Mission?
The Finance Minister announced the launch of a new Khelo India Mission to transform the sports ecosystem over the next decade. The primary objective is to make India a global sporting superpower and increase employment in this sector. The mission will focus on creating integrated talent pathways with training centers at foundational, intermediate, and elite levels.
The government will also focus on sports manufacturing to make India a global hub for sports goods. This includes research and innovation in equipment design and material sciences. The mission ensures the full integration of sports science and modern technology to support athletes and coaches.
