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 major initiatives to boost heritage tourism by developing 15 archaeological sites into vibrant cultural destinations. She also introduced a new Khelo India Mission aimed at transforming the sports ecosystem and creating employment opportunities over the next decade.
Which archaeological sites are selected for development?
The government proposes to transform 15 archaeological sites into experiential destinations. The list includes iconic locations like Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Adichanallur, Sarnath, Hastinapur, and Leh Palace. The plan focuses on building better infrastructure such as curated walkways, interpretation centers, and using technology for immersive storytelling.
To support this tourism push, a pilot scheme will be launched to upskill 10,000 tourist guides. This training will be conducted at 20 iconic sites through a 12-week hybrid program in collaboration with the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Additionally, a National Destination Digital Knowledge Grid will be set up to document these heritage locations.
What is the new Khelo India Mission plan?
The Finance Minister proposed a revamped Khelo India Mission to make India a global sporting superpower. The mission focuses on creating an integrated talent pathway with training centers at foundational and elite levels. It also emphasizes the use of sports science and modern technology to help athletes perform better.
A key part of this mission is to promote India as a global hub for sports goods manufacturing. This initiative aims to boost research and innovation in equipment design. The government believes this will maximize skilling and employment within the sports sector while building modern facilities for training and competition.
Key Highlights of the Announcements
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Heritage Sites | 15 sites including Lothal, Sarnath, Hastinapur |
| Guide Training | 10,000 guides to be trained with IIMs |
| Sports Mission | Focus on manufacturing and elite training |
| Budget Date | February 1, 2026 |
