Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the ‘Purvodaya’ (Rise of East) initiative during her ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation. The Budget for 2026-27 focuses on developing tourism spots in five Purvodaya states, with a special emphasis on local culture, heritage, and natural attractions. Additionally, the plan includes the establishment of Buddhist circuits in six states to promote the cultural legacy of the region.
These efforts are geared towards enhancing infrastructure, promoting tourism, upgrading public transportation, and safeguarding cultural heritage in the Northeastern region. As part of the commitment to ‘Purvodaya,’ a National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management will be set up in Bihar. This move is expected to boost food processing activities in the eastern region, leading to increased income for farmers and creating opportunities for youth in skill development and employment.
Furthermore, the Finance Minister proposed the development of an integrated East Coast Industrial Corridor with a key node in Durgapur, along with the establishment of five tourism destinations in the Purvodaya states and the introduction of 4,000 e-buses. The Purvodaya scheme aims to capitalize on the rich cultural heritage and natural resources of Eastern India, encompassing Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The comprehensive strategy focuses on human resource development, infrastructure improvement, and economic prospects to drive the region towards becoming a significant contributor to the vision of ‘Developed India.’
In line with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ goal, the Purvodaya scheme seeks to transform Eastern India into a key player in the nation’s development. Launched in Budget 2024, the scheme includes commitments such as a dedicated freight corridor linking Dankuni in West Bengal to Surat in Gujarat, and another corridor connecting Siliguri to Varanasi. Additionally, a makhana board will be established in Bihar to enhance production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana, with a focus on organizing individuals into Farmer Producer Organisations for support and training.
Moreover, the Budget addresses the development of India’s North-East, particularly emphasizing the Buddhist sites in the region as a blend of Theravada and Mahayana/Vajrayana traditions. A scheme for the development of Buddhist circuits in six states is proposed, covering aspects like temple and monastery preservation, pilgrimage interpretation centers, connectivity, and pilgrim amenities.
